Intérieur d’étable 

Jean-Honoré Fragonard made this painting with oil on canvas, sometime in the 18th century. The artist’s skill with the brush is undeniable. Notice the loose, expressive strokes used to capture the textures of the bull’s fur and the rough, earthy environment. This technique, known as impasto, involves applying paint thickly, creating a tactile surface that catches the light. It shows the gestures of the painter as he worked, bringing a sense of immediacy to the scene. Consider the social context, in which farm animals such as the bull are essential sources of food. The presence of the farm girl highlights the relationship between humans and animals. The bull itself may appear calm, but the fact remains that it’s the product of agricultural practices that turn animals into commodities. By paying attention to the materials and the ways in which this painting was made, we can appreciate Fragonard's mastery while also pondering the economic systems that shape our world.