Sultana on an Ottoman
Historical Context
This Sultana on an Ottoman reflects the European fascination with the exotic East known as turquerie, which pervaded French decorative arts and painting throughout the eighteenth century. Fragonard depicted several orientalizing subjects that catered to aristocratic taste for luxurious fantasy. The bravura brushwork—rapid, swirling strokes building luminous effects—was applied alla prima onto canvas primed with warm ochre grounds, a technique Fragonard developed after studying Tiepolo in Venice.
Technical Analysis
The reclining figure is rendered with sensuous attention to fabric textures and the ornate ottoman setting. Fragonard's warm palette emphasizes the richness of Eastern textiles and cushions.
