Jean Honoré Fragonard

Nationality: French

1732 - 1806

Despite his early training in the studios of Jean Siméon Chardin and François Boucher, Fragonard did not follow the path of the traditional history painter of his age and favored the support of a private clientele over that of the Crown. Inspired by contemporary landscape artists, such as Claude-Joseph Vernet, as well as by an early sojourn in Italy from 1756 to 1761, Fragonard developed an interest in landscape painting and drawing that would remain an important aspect of his art throughout his life.

Place of Birth: Grasse
Place of Death: Paris

Text written and researched by Michelle Bird National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.