Les Baisers Maternels 

Jean-Honoré Fragonard painted “Les Baisers Maternels,” or “Maternal Kisses,” during the Rococo period, when art often celebrated leisure, intimacy, and the domestic sphere. Here, Fragonard captures a mother embracing her children in a tender moment. The painting diverges from traditional depictions of motherhood that often emphasized the Madonna-like ideal, instead, the image develops a narrative about the emotional connection between a mother and her children. The loose brushwork and warm color palette invite viewers into this intimate scene. The woman’s rosy cheeks mirror those of her children, suggesting a shared experience of health and comfort. Fragonard’s choice to focus on the simple, shared act of affection speaks to the shifting values of his time, when the sentimental and emotional aspects of family life began to gain prominence. The painting reflects a broader cultural interest in the private lives of individuals, emphasizing compassion and the significance of familial bonds.