A Child's Head

A Child's Head in Glasgow's collection represents Fragonard's ability to capture childhood innocence with economy and freshness. Such informal studies of children served both as independent works and as preparatory studies for larger compositions. 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.

The rapid, confident brushwork captures the child's features with remarkable freshness and immediacy. The warm flesh tones and soft modeling create a sense of youthful vitality.