The Letter, or The Spanish Conversation c. 1778

"The Letter" or "The Spanish Conversation" is a drawing created in 1778 by the French painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a leading artist of the Rococo period. It is a private, intimate scene, depicting two women in a dimly lit interior, engaged in a conversation. The woman on the left appears to be listening intently to the other woman's words, while the woman on the right holds a letter in her hand. The artwork is an excellent example of Fragonard's style, known for its expressive brushstrokes and subtle tones of brown, creating an atmospheric scene. The composition is skillfully arranged, with both women positioned diagonally to create a sense of movement and visual interest. The drawing is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.