Blindman’s Buff c. 1775 - 1780

Editor: So, here we have Fragonard’s “Blindman’s Buff,” likely painted between 1775 and 1780. It's an oil painting, and it really strikes me with its sense of movement and the almost dreamlike quality of the landscape. What stands out to you most in terms of its artistic merit? Curator: The formal elegance of Fragonard's composition immediately compels attention. Notice the serpentine lines which direct our gaze from the fountain on the left, curving through the figures playing the game, to the dining scene on the right. Do you perceive how this creates a dynamic, almost theatrical space? Editor: Yes, the composition really does lead your eye around the canvas. It's not just a static image. The textures seem incredibly soft too, almost like velvet. Curator: Indeed. Observe the masterful brushwork and impasto application in the foliage and clouds. Fragonard's skillful handling of paint creates a vibrant and atmospheric quality. Note how the juxtaposition of light and shadow heightens the pictorial effect, lending a sense of depth and vitality. Does this technique resonate with your understanding of Rococo aesthetics? Editor: Absolutely, I think the light and shadow really emphasise the romantic themes associated with Rococo. So it's not only about what is represented but about the artistic skill involved in painting such idyllic scenarios. Curator: Precisely. This approach prioritizes the visual experience itself. Fragonard’s focus extends beyond mere depiction; it revels in the intrinsic qualities of paint and form to evoke emotion and sensation. Editor: I’m beginning to see this painting as less about the narrative, and more about the technical execution. Thank you, I'll definitely approach Fragonard and paintings like these with a closer look at the composition itself. Curator: Indeed. Looking past narrative allows us to see beyond surface-level interpretations of the subject, and appreciate Fragonard's undeniable artistic virtuosity.