La folie

1777

Jean-François Janinet after Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Associated Names
Jean-François Janinet

Artist, French, 1752 - 1814

Jean Honoré Fragonard

Artist After, French, 1732 - 1806

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."

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color aquatint and etching with roulette work

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.2365

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Portalis/Beraldi 1880, no. 26, State ii


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1944

  • French Prints and Drawings of the XVIIIth Century, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1944-1945, no catalogue.

Bibliography

1880

  • Portalis, baron Roger and Henri Beraldi. Les graveurs du dix-huitieme siecle. 2 parts, 3 vols. each part. Paris, 1880.

Wikidata ID

Q64959192

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