Draft:Paintings in the collection of the Musée Jacquemart-André

Les Débuts du modèle or The Model's First Session

(The Model's Début or The Model's First Session) is a c.1770 oil-on-canvas painting by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, acquired by Édouard André before his marriage and now in the Musée Jacquemart-André.

Les Débuts du modèle, 1770, found in Musée Jacquemart-André

Short Description

This artwork is evident as it shows a young woman posing for the first time for a painter who is dressed well. Wearing nice clothing symbolizes wealth, so he is most likely an accomplished artist. She, on the other hand, is wearing simpler clothing as she is being put on display. Her light clothing simultaneously contrasts several things: her bright, rosy cheeks and her chaperone's dark clothes. She is heavily exposed to this artist in what looks to be his studio since the only item in the background is a large empty canvas waiting to be painted on. This piece is about positioning her so that she is a symbol of lust as she exposes her chest, and he adjusts her skirts to show some of her legs. In all, there is no modesty to be found within this artwork, as lustful wants overpower morality.

References[edit]

1. ^
2. Lauren. (n.d.). Fragonard Friday: The new model. Fragonard Friday: The New Model. https://www.mariegossip.com/2009/08/fragonard-friday-new-model.html