FA 30b Lecture Notes - Lecture 25: Cupid, Germanicus, Louis Davids
15 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
Jean-antoine watteau"s a pilgrimage to cythera was painted for the french academy. The work contains some academic elements and shows groups of lovers who are about to depart from their vivid environment. There is a ruined bust of venus and a cupid is shown. The environment is covered in a dream- like haze. Jean honore fragonard"s the swing is an exploration of simple narrative of love; the topic is not serious. A figure moves the swing for the woman, who then tosses her shoe and provides a hiding lover with a provocative view. The escort figure is unaware of the situation, while the secret lover reacts in a surprised erotic manner. The painting requires little thought and is very simple to understand. Jean honore fragonard"s the bathers was one of many of the artist"s several paintings that drew criticism for its simple and erotic style.
