Young Lady Seated in a Fauteuil; verso: Composition Study c. 1758

Curator: This sketch by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, titled "Young Lady Seated in a Fauteuil," presents us with an intimate glimpse into the artist's process. Editor: It's lovely. The delicate red chalk creates a sense of intimacy and lightness. There's a real sense of feminine leisure and quiet comfort here. Curator: The "fauteuil", or open-armed chair, was of course a symbol of status and refined domesticity in the 18th century. It would have allowed the sitter to freely display and move her body. How might that inform the construction of gender during the time? Editor: Absolutely, and beyond that, it's a reminder of the social codes that dictated posture and presentation for women. The sketch, in its open, unfinished state, is also a fascinating commentary on how these images were produced and circulated. Curator: Indeed. The Harvard Art Museums holds this small study that offers us a window into the artistic and social customs surrounding its creation. Editor: It certainly gives us a lot to think about.