Jean Claude Richard, Abbot of Saint-Non (Fanciful Figure) 1769

This oil painting, "Jean Claude Richard, Abbot of Saint-Non (Fanciful Figure)," depicts a man in a theatrical pose, leaning on a railing and looking upward, likely lost in contemplation. The sitter is identified as Jean Claude Richard, an abbot known for his love of art and the arts. Fragonard's characteristic light brushstrokes and dramatic use of color contribute to the theatrical, expressive nature of the portrait. This work is considered a fine example of the Rococo style, which emphasized grace, elegance, and whimsicality in its depictions of upper-class life. This work currently resides in the Louvre museum in Paris.