I decided to choose Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s painting, “ The Lover Crowned,” painted in 1771-72. The painting contains blatant artifice, conveyed through the complex superposition of various elements: The grassy slopes, orange trees, active foliage, and abundant rose bushes. In the painting, there is a sketcher (possibly the artist himself) who is documenting a male and female in a romantic exchange. A beautiful mistress is crowning the young man as a cupid sleeps in the cast shadows of the tall pillars, resting on a rock. The mood of the painting is very sensual and romantic.
Fragonard is known for these types of paintings. Fragonard is a French painter who depicts scenes of frivolity and gallantry, which are complete embodiments of the Rococo spirit. Rococo art emerged in France in the early 18th century. In contrast to the heavier themes and darker tones of the Baroque art period, the Rococo style was characterized by opulence, frivolousness, and lightness. Rococo subjects focused on the carefree aristocratic life and on lighthearted romance and their surroundings include nature and exterior settings.
I hope to translate the Fragonard’s painting into a modern depiction of class and wealth, with its relation to interior space. Excessive indulgence and fanciful frivolousness defines the Rococo movement. In many ways, it foreshadows the Nouveau Riche lifestyle and aesthetics. My daily subject this week was transforming notorious mobster John Gotti into a 17th century aristocrat. Pertaining to Nouveau Riche culture, in many ways crime families have become this sort of elite aristocracy; the media and cinema has done a good job of glamorizing this lifestyle and making it aspirational. With my drawing, I intent to gain influence from new money culture to create a new image, full of societal commentary.
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