A Visit to the Nursery

A Visit to the Nursery is another family-based artwork by Fragonard which centres in on the domestic lives of wealthy individuals in the 18th century.

There are many similarities in this composition with other paintings by this artist, and his charming depictions of everyday life tended to be set either in the home, or in a fantasy garden. Both would feature loose brushstrokes which softened the style of his depictions and this created an atmosphere that was unique to this artist. Fragonard would frequently drive a long object up one side of the canvas in order to frame the rest of the composition, and in this case he chooses the open door to serve this purpose. It also allows additional light into the overall work. Aside from that, light peeks in through the open window and lights up the baby as he sleeps.

The two parents look on in admiration and love towards their new offspring, whilst their older children stand at the bottom of the bed is curiosity at their new sibling. A maid sits by his side, as indicated by her more practical and less glamorous choice of clothing. She doesn't seek the limelight in this composition as the artist puts most focus on the parents and their newest child. The baby is asleep in a small bed which appears to have been crafted from a wooden basket, in line with the styles of that period. Through the window we can spot a street light, suggesting we are most likely in a residential area.

Fragonard was an artist who would work tirelessly to perfect his use of figures within his paintings. This is amongst the hardest skill to master, with even the likes of Renaissance genuises such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo working repetitively on individual poses or limbs in order to improve their technical skills. Fragonard would practice individual scenes in paper or loose oils before taking on the project for real when he felt ready. Many of these oil studies remain today and provide an excellent insight into his working practices, be them in charcoal, ink, chalk or oil.