Angel Holding a Palm and a Crown 1759 - 1769

This print, by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, depicts an angel bestowing a crown and palm frond on two figures below. Although undated, it was likely made in France in the late 18th or early 19th century, when French artists were experimenting with looser, more expressive printmaking techniques. Fragonard, like many artists of his time, drew inspiration from classical antiquity. The figures in this print, with their idealized bodies and flowing drapery, evoke the art of ancient Greece and Rome. The palm frond and crown, symbols of victory and glory, further reinforce this connection. However, it's worth noting that Fragonard was also working in a society on the cusp of revolution. His art, with its emphasis on individual emotion and dramatic storytelling, reflects the changing social and political landscape of his time. To fully understand this print, we can consider the institutions of art and how they shaped Fragonard's career. By consulting auction catalogs, museum records, and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social conditions that gave rise to this work.