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Imaginary Italian Garden
Jean Honoré Fragonard French
Not on view
This capriccio, or assemblage of imaginary motifs, was inspired by Fragonard’s experiences in Rome. He probably made it after his return to Paris in 1774. The scene includes a jumble of ancient statues and artifacts, such as the Roman comedy mask on the far right. Small figures, perhaps treasure hunters and tourists, explore the area, picking their way through the crumbling architecture and rampant vegetation. An example of Fragonard at his most spontaneous, this work might also be seen as an homage to Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–1778), an Italian artist known for his etchings and drawings of Rome.
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