The Swing (Fragonard, 1767-1768) facts for kids
The Swing is a famous oil painting created by the French artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard. He painted it between 1767 and 1768. The artwork is not very large, measuring about 81 by 64 centimeters (31.9 by 25.2 inches). It shows a young woman on a swing, kicking off her shoe playfully. Two men are also in the painting, one pushing the swing and another watching her from below. Today, you can see this beautiful painting at the Wallace Collection in London, England.
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About The Swing Painting
The Swing is one of the most well-known paintings from the Rococo art style. This style was popular in Europe during the 1700s. Rococo art often features light colors, playful scenes, and fancy decorations. Fragonard's painting perfectly shows these ideas. It makes you feel like you are in a secret garden, watching a fun moment.
Who Painted The Swing?
The artist, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, was born in 1732 in Grasse, France. He became a very talented painter, known for his lively and charming artworks. Fragonard studied with famous artists like Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin and François Boucher. He was very good at painting scenes of everyday life, portraits, and landscapes. The Swing is one of his most famous works and shows his skill in capturing movement and light.
What Does The Painting Show?
The painting captures a playful and energetic scene. A young woman, dressed in a beautiful pink dress, is soaring high on a swing. She kicks her leg up, and one of her shoes flies off into the air. Below her, hidden in the bushes, is a young man looking up at her. Another man, who seems to be an older gentleman, is pushing the swing from behind with ropes. The setting is a lush, green garden with tall trees and a statue. The light filters through the leaves, making the scene feel bright and airy.
The Story Behind The Painting
The Swing was ordered by a nobleman who wanted a painting of his mistress on a swing. He asked for her to be pushed by a bishop, and for him to be able to see her from below. Fragonard changed the bishop to a more general older man. The painting was meant to be a private artwork for the nobleman's home. It shows the playful and sometimes secretive side of life for wealthy people in the 18th century.
Where Can You See The Swing?
Today, The Swing is a star attraction at the Wallace Collection in London. This museum is famous for its collection of 18th-century French art, furniture, and armor. The painting is displayed in a way that lets visitors admire its details and bright colors. Many people visit the Wallace Collection just to see this iconic artwork.
Images for kids
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See also in Spanish
See also
In Spanish: The Swing para niños
