A Young Girl Reading by Jean-Honroé Fragonard

Due to my fascination with the 18th century rococo movement, art during this period almost always intrigues me. One of my favorite artists from this time is Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Fragonard was one of the most prolific artists in his day and is well known for his painting, The Swing, which depicts a young girl in court dress swinging frivolously while being being watched by her lover and an inconspicuous onlooker. Another one of Fragonards paintings done a decade earlier in 1776 has always fascinated me. Titled, A Young Girl Reading, it features just that.  The pillow this girl is resting against looks like the most comfortable and sumptuous pillow one has ever seen. The subject, who has remained unidentified, has little hands that hold her book in a way that would seem most uncomfortable, and yet she looks as relaxed as ever. Today, one can view this painting in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

Jean-Antoine Watteau Woman in a Striped Dress

Another beautiful work by Jean-Antoine Watteau. This drawing was created sometime between 1716 and 1718 and is now on display at the British Museum in London. The way he captured the movement in this woman's dress in such a simple drawing that presumably took little time is amazing.

Pilgrimage to Cythera

A beautiful painting by Jean-Antoine Watteau. Cythera is a small island in the south of Greece that is said to be the birthplace of Venus, the greek goddess of love. To me, this painting oozes with romanticism which exemplifies the height of the rococo movement. It is the second version, and slightly more elaborate version created by Watteau during the mid 18th century. It has been constantly debated by art historians weather the couples have just arrived at the island or are about to depart, but that doesn't take away from the overwhelming feelings of courtship this piece has. My favorite part is the cherubs, or putti, that are flying all around the sailboat. 

18th c. Silver Wine Cooler by Ignaz Joseph Würth

This wine cooler is part of a pair and was created by the 18th Century master silversmith Ignaz Joseph Würth. It was originally part of a large service for Prince Albert of Saxony. The detail this piece has is incredible, incorporating design elements from many different styles. The dogs are quite obviously my favorite part, with their tails wrapping around to make the handles. Also, the grape leaf motif that surrounds the top is so realistic, as if it was dipped in silver and applied to the piece. Here is what the met has to say about this piece: 

"These wine coolers formed part of the now-dispersed "Second Duke of Sachsen-Teschen Service," which originally included all kinds of silver tableware befitting splendid royal dining habits. The overall style encapsulates the strong appreciation of contemporary French Neoclassical art and culture by the patrons, Duke Albert Casimir of Sachsen-Teschen (d. 1822) and his consort, Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria (d. 1798), daughter of Empress Maria Theresa and sister of Marie-Antoinette, queen of France. The vigorous design, sparkling play of textures, and daring juxtaposition of classical elements with whimsical sculptural details are Viennese interjections."

Photo and Description from the Met Museum

Late 18th c. Porcelain Snuff Box by Meissen

Initially this snuff box looks like many others. It's blue fish scale design on the corners of the box did catch my attention, however, it didn't look much different than others I have seen. Then, once I saw a photo of the box open i realized it really was something special. The gold wash on the inside of this box is in such great shape it looks as if it was created yesterday. The cartouches are quite nice as well, especially the one on the inside of the cover. From the Meissen porcelain company during the late 18th century, this snuff box would make a great addition to ones collection of these great little boxes.

Photos from Pia's Antique Gallery