Artwork preview

The Reading

Jean-Honoré Fragonard

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two people sitting side by side, facing each other. One person is seen in profile, while the other has their back mostly turned. The person in profile has delicate facial features and wears a high-necked garment with long sleeves and their hair styled up with a dark floral accessory. The other person's face is not visible, and they have short hair or an updo. The person in profile is dressed in an elaborate flowing dress, while the other individual wears a simpler outfit with a shawl-like garment over their shoulders. The background features lightly sketched indoor elements, and the image is in a monochromatic tone.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1765/1775
Medium
brown wash on wove paper
Dimensions
3624 × 4827 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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