Le Songe d'Amour 1745 - 1978

Editor: Here we have Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s "Le Songe d'Amour," created sometime between 1745 and 1778. It's an etching, with very dreamlike and romantic qualities, even the title translates to "The Dream of Love." It feels like a scene from a play, doesn’t it? What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a potent example of Rococo artistry intertwined with political commentary. This idealized scene, bathed in ethereal light, presents a complex view of power and gender. Fragonard places this reclining, somewhat world-weary male figure, surrounded by symbols of military might, juxtaposed with an allegorical female figure presiding above, and putti abound everywhere! Don't you think that the sword laying in front of the man creates an underlying sense of the vulnerability of patriarchal structures during that time? Editor: Vulnerability? He looks more bored than vulnerable to me! What’s that got to do with intersectional narratives? Curator: Well, consider the historical context: The French aristocracy, facing increasing criticism and ultimately revolution, may have found this scene as a reflection of their anxieties. He’s perhaps tired of battle. The prominent goddess-like figure suggests the rising influence of women in intellectual and political spheres and a cultural move toward recognizing the validity of feminine intellect and influence, don’t you think? Fragonard makes us question the very foundations upon which power rests, particularly masculine power. What happens to it once other parties get a stake in it? Editor: I never thought about it that way, but that is pretty interesting to consider. It definitely gives me a lot more to think about regarding the message this artwork sends! Curator: Exactly. By deconstructing traditional allegories, Fragonard opens a space for dialogue about the changing power dynamics of his time. He compels us to see beyond the surface.