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The Little Park

Jean Honoré Fragonard French

ca. 1761-63

Not on view

In what would become his distinctive working method, Fragonard repeated compositions, using varied techniques and media to experiment with a subject’s expressive potential. Here, he redrew the composition of the work hanging to the left. With the motifs already established, he was free to focus on the handling of the chalk, creating a sparkling sheet of contrasting textures and tones that evoke the warmth of sunlight and the respite of shade in a lush setting.

The Little Park, Jean Honoré Fragonard (French, Grasse 1732–1806 Paris), Red chalk — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: The Little Park

Artist: Jean Honoré Fragonard (French, Grasse 1732–1806 Paris)

Date: ca. 1761-63

Medium: Red chalk

Dimensions: 14 1/16 × 17 3/8 in. (35.7 × 44.2 cm)

Classification: Drawings

Credit Line: Private collection

Accession Number: SL.5.2016.2.1

How Chalk Drawings are Made

How Chalk Drawings are Made

An illustrated explainer.

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Drawings and Prints at The Met

The Met's collection of drawings and prints—one of the most comprehensive and distinguished of its kind in the world—began with a gift of 670 works from Cornelius Vanderbilt, a Museum trustee, in 1880.