Composition Study; verso: Composition Study c. 1758

Curator: This small work at the Harvard Art Museums is titled "Composition Study" by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Editor: My first impression is chaotic. The ink seems applied quickly, with a nervous energy. Curator: Absolutely. Considering Fragonard's historical context—the pre-Revolutionary French court—it's fascinating to view this as a raw expression, almost a rebellion against the rigid social structures. Editor: Indeed. The materiality of the ink and paper are central to this reading; they allow for the rapid execution, a sort of freedom not permitted in larger, more formal works. How was paper used at this time? Curator: Paper in pre-Revolutionary France was increasingly available but also tied to social status. Fragonard's access speaks volumes about his position and artistic freedom. Editor: It certainly seems that this study offered him a space, perhaps a personal one, to explore his craft, challenging the constraints of his time. Curator: Thinking about the artist and materials within a social hierarchy like this gives me a better understanding of this work's context. Editor: And for me, seeing the quick gestures allows me to think about the labor that went into Fragonard's artistic production, both in terms of his technique and the accessibility of materials.