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La folie

Jean-François Janinet after Jean-Honoré Fragonard

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an illustration of a cherubic child in a playful, airborne position. The child is mid-leap or in flight, with arms and legs outstretched, hovering among clouds in a celestial setting. The cherub has a soft, round face with rosy cheeks, small eyes, and curly, light-colored hair. The child is unclothed except for a sheer fabric around the waist. In one hand, the child holds a staff or scepter with a face-like figure. Surrounding the cherub are several white doves in flight. The background includes clouds, a light blue sky, clusters of flowers, and foliage. The composition is framed with an oval outline, with a border and text that reads "LA FOLIE."

Artwork Details

Date
1777
Medium
color aquatint and etching with roulette work
Dimensions
3422 × 4772 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette