The Circumcision

1763/1764

Jean-Honoré Fragonard after Jacopo Tintoretto

Associated Names
Jean Honoré Fragonard

Artist, French, 1732 - 1806

Jacopo Tintoretto

Artist After, Venetian, 1518 or 1519 - 1594

This is a drawing of a ceremonial scene involving several figures gathered around a central point. The scene depicts a group surrounding a child with a radiant halo, who is lying on an altar-like structure. The individuals in the drawing appear to be participating in or observing a ritual, as suggested by the presence of ornate garments and ceremonial objects. The detailed linework captures the intricate clothing and facial expressions, suggesting an air of solemnity and reverence in the atmosphere. The figures are engaged in a coordinated action, possibly indicating a narrative or symbolic event. The composition is tightly framed, focusing on the interaction between the figures and the central radiant figure.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Kate Ganz

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 9.6 × 14 cm (3 3/4 × 5 1/2 in.); cut within platemark

  • Accession Number

    2014.131.12

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Wildenstein 1956, no. 22, State i/ii


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1956

  • Wildenstein, Georges. Fragonard acquafortiste. Paris: Les Beaux-Arts, 1956: no. 22, i/ii

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower right in graphite: PdeB. 1; by later hand, verso in graphite: Suite d'après les Matires Italiens / 1 / XXII / Fragonard / Le Circoncision

Wikidata ID

Q77007642

You may be interested in

Loading Results