The Warrior
Historical Context
The Warrior (c. 1769-70), in the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is one of Fragonard's fantasy portraits — the series of bravura character studies in historical costume that represent his most technically dazzling achievements. The figure in military dress is painted with the bold, sweeping brushstrokes that characterize these works, form emerging from pure painterly energy. The Clark Art Institute, founded by Sterling and Francine Clark, houses one of the finest collections of French painting in America, with Fragonard represented among its significant Rococo holdings.
Technical Analysis
The warrior's costume is built up with bold, directional impasto strokes that create a sense of martial energy and movement. The contrast between the freely painted costume and the more carefully modeled face is characteristically Fragonard.
