The Wager (The Burning Wig) c. 1773 - 1774

Editor: Here we have Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s drawing, "The Wager (The Burning Wig)". It's rendered in brown wash, and it gives off this very theatrical, almost chaotic vibe. What do you make of this frenetic scene? Curator: It’s Fragonard at his most playfully subversive, isn't it? The almost feverish application of wash creates a sense of immediacy and spectacle. You can almost hear the raucous laughter of the onlookers. Do you think the wig-burning is literal or metaphorical? Editor: Hmm, metaphorical perhaps? Like a symbol of foolish pride going up in smoke? Curator: Precisely! The "wager" might be less about the wig itself and more about the folly of betting on appearances. It’s a wonderfully loose, lively composition. It speaks to the artist’s keen understanding of human foibles. Editor: That makes me see the drawing in a new light. I was so focused on the action, I missed the deeper commentary. Curator: That's the beauty of art, isn't it? There's always more to discover beneath the surface.