Fragonard's The Swing.

This painting is by Jean- Honore Fragonard, greatest student of Boucher, called The Swing. It was painted in 1766 and it is oil on canvas. It shows an old bishop, convinced by a young man, swinging a young lady higher and higher. The young woman's lover is admiring her earnestly while sitting in the left hand corner of the painting. The woman is flirtatiously swinging her shoe toward the statue of cupid. The young lady is the focal point as the old bishop and the young man are both looking towards her. It shifts viewer attention toward the young lady. Because her shoe in the air is pointing toward the cupid, it makes the cupid part of the focal point along with the young lady. The finger on his lips of cupid statue can be interpreted as gesturing to be quiet and keep the peaceful environment. The soft light and glowing colors portrays sensuality in the theme. This portrait is an example of Fragonard’s work and late Rococo painting style.