The Sultan 1774

Jean-Honoré Fragonard's drawing, titled "The Sultan," presents a figure enveloped in the textures of fabric rendered with delicate lines and subtle washes. The composition centers on the seated sultan, whose garments billow and fold, creating a play of light and shadow. Fragonard masterfully uses the medium of drawing to convey the opulence of the sultan's attire. The turban atop his head, rendered with circular strokes, contrasts with the angular lines defining his robe. This formal juxtaposition may be interpreted as a commentary on the shifting identities and perceptions within 18th-century French society, a fascination with the exotic Orient and its cultural codes. The drawing’s emphasis on texture and form invites contemplation on how Fragonard destabilizes fixed notions. It offers a space for ongoing interpretation as we consider the cultural and historical meanings embedded within.