Porträt François-Henri, 5. Duc d'Harcourt (1726 - 1802)
Historical Context
Portrait of François-Henri, 5th Duke of Harcourt (c. 1769), in the Collection Rau for UNICEF, is one of Fragonard's fantasy portraits — the bravura character studies reportedly executed in about an hour that demonstrate his extraordinary technical facility. The Duke of Harcourt (1726-1802) was a distinguished military commander and later governor of Normandy. Fragonard renders him in an elaborate costume with the bold, sweeping brushstrokes that characterize these rapid portrait performances, building form through pure painterly energy rather than careful delineation.
Technical Analysis
The portrait exemplifies Fragonard's virtuoso technique, with thick impasto strokes building up the costume's rich textures while the face is modeled with greater subtlety. The overall effect suggests spontaneity and life.
