Fragonard’s paintings were able to depict certain erotic symbols that his fellow artists and peers would be able to decipher easily yet were created with multiple levels of interpretation.
By the end of the 1760s, Fragonard’s artworks had started to receive scathing criticism from writers and fellow artists alike who saw him as a sell-out who had no other intention but to make money and was wasting his talents.
In his later years, the French painter focused on creating cabinet paintings for the public market that were highly valued. At the time, this move to a public audience was regarded as unusual for an artist of his stature.
During his career, the style of Fragonard’s paintings influenced many contemporaneous fellow artists, yet none of them were able to reach anywhere near Fragonard’s level of artistry.
Fragonard’s artworks dealt with themes of the male gaze and gender roles, which were regarded as out of fashion for many years, have once again become relevant in today’s society.
Fragonard’s paintings were regarded as unique in their ability to display a sense of heightened drama through his use of specific settings and scenarios.