Sophistication

A Young Girl Reading- Jean-Honore Fragonard, Date: 1776

Describe

This brightly colored painting depicts a woman who is the picture of sophistication. Using mostly soft edge lines, the artist creates a feeling of relaxation and contentment. Implied lines appear in her hair, chair, and dress. This provides some movement, while the picture itself still appears static. The implied lines primarily add texture which adds visual interest to the piece. Her body, and the whole image in general, is composed of complex and compound shapes. Also, the positioning of the lighting and the shadows it causes induces value in the painting.

Analyze

The emphasis in this work is placed completely on the woman; she is the focal point and dominates the imagines because she is the subject. While this is true, her midsection and chair are what dominates the most. These are balanced out by the tilt of her head and outstretched arm, which take up space in the left side of the painting. The artist emphasized her dress by making it a bright yellow color against the murky brown background. This difference in coloring provides contrast and visual interest. Also providing interest are the repeating implied lines in the figures dress, chair, and hair. In addition, that provides a small amount of movement to the mostly static piece.

Interpret

The woman depicted in the selected painting gives off an aura of sophistication. She is in a lavish, expensive dress which let's us know she is wealthy. She is slightly chubbier which shows she has plenty of food to eat; this is another clue she has plenty of money. Her hair is nicely pinned with a bow, and she is sitting up straight, saying the same thing. To top it off, she has a book in hand, which she is intently reading. It can be drawn that she is a wealthy, intelligent and educated woman, all of these factors contribute to a high level of sophistication.