Boom c. 1765 - 1775

Editor: Here we have Fragonard's "Boom," a drawing from around 1765 to 1775, found in the Rijksmuseum. It's just a simple sketch of a tree, right there in a sketchbook. The texture of the aged paper really strikes me. What captures your attention when you look at this? Curator: Oh, this humble little tree! For me, it whispers of secret gardens and whispered dreams. Think about Fragonard—a master of the Rococo, known for lighthearted, often flirtatious scenes. But here? Just a tree, sketched with such sensitivity. The very lines seem to breathe. It is as if Fragonard, momentarily weary of powdered wigs and amorous encounters, sought refuge in the quiet company of nature. I wonder, what kind of stories could this tree tell? Editor: That’s lovely. I hadn't thought of it as a contrast to his other work, more like a quiet moment. It makes you wonder what he was thinking about, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely! And isn't it funny? The Rococo period was all about elaborate artifice, but this little drawing…it feels so real. The tree isn’t perfect; the lines are sketchy and immediate. Maybe that’s the beauty of it. What do you take away from seeing the aged paper? Editor: I guess it makes me feel like I am right there, looking over Fragonard's shoulder, seeing something fleeting and personal. Curator: Yes! A privileged peek into the artist's soul. Editor: Exactly. It gives me a new appreciation for Fragonard, seeing this more intimate side. Curator: And perhaps for the hidden stories that even the simplest of subjects can hold!