Don Quixote about to Strike the Helmet c. 1780s

This is a sketch of a scene from Miguel de Cervantes's classic novel, *Don Quixote*, by the French Rococo painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The sketch depicts Don Quixote, the novel's protagonist, about to strike a helmet with his sword, a scene that reflects his delusional belief that he is a valiant knight-errant. This sketch, completed in the 1780s, exemplifies Fragonard's ability to capture the essence of a narrative in a few simple strokes. The work is significant as a record of Fragonard's fascination with literature and his talent for capturing the movement and drama of his subjects.