In the center of the painting stands a young woman, the Baron's mistress, who swings happily on a swing. She mischievously throws her shoe – a sign of sensuality – towards her lover (the Baron), revealing at the same time her ankle which at the time had an eminently erotic connotation!

By "a happy coincidence", the lover is located in the right place to see the legs (or even more?!) of his mistress: a vision that disturbs him to the point of making him lose his balance and make him capsize in the flowers. On the far right, the bishop desired by the Baron has been replaced by Fragonard by a deceived husband, who pushes the swing all smiles without suspecting that his wife is having fun with another man. On the left side, a Putto symbol of Love, raises a finger to his lips and invites us to remain silent... A way of inviting the viewer into confidence!

This type of painting is all the rage with the nobility. They are intended for the private apartments of their sponsors. But with the evolution of mores, when the Baron de Saint Julien was condemned to death during the Revolution, libertine scenes were no longer up to date... Fragonard's painting reappeared under the Second Empire in the collection of the half-brother of Napoleon III, the Duke of Morny. Then bought by the English collector the Marquis of Hertford, it was bequeathed to his natural son Richard Wallace who would found the prestigious Wallace Collection in London where you can admire the canvas today!

*colour may slightly vary to images

Product Details:

• Colours: Original
• Composition: 100% silk
• Weaving: Chiffon
• Dimensions: 70 x 70cm
• Made in Lyon, France