Les Beignets 1745 - 1806

Jean-Honoré Fragonard created this print called "Les Beignets" using etching and engraving techniques. The image presents a domestic scene with a woman cooking beignets over an open fire, surrounded by children. Made in France during the 18th century, the print offers insight into the social and cultural values of the time. The emphasis on family, food preparation, and domestic life suggests the importance of these aspects in the lives of many. It can also be viewed in the context of the French aristocracy, as the print is dedicated to Madame la Présidente du Dlaa. Who was she and what was her relation to Fragonard? To fully understand this artwork, we can look at primary sources like letters, diaries, and other historical documents that reveal more about the social norms, economic conditions, and institutional structures that influenced Fragonard and his patrons. This helps us grasp the contingent nature of art and its meaning within its specific time and place.