WALKS OF ART
The Bolt

The Bolt

Fragonard · 1777Room 929
PreviousNext

The Bolt is a great example of 18th-century Rococo - an exuberant, theatrical, and often erotic style.

It illustrates a shift in 18th century European art - when it became more acceptable to represent intimacy on canvas.

The Bolt — image 1
The Bolt — image 2
The Bolt — image 3
The Bolt — image 4
The Bolt — image 5
The Bolt — image 6
The Bolt — image 7
The Bolt — image 8
The Bolt — image 9
1 / 9

Fragonard was a prolific artist, painting over 500 artworks throughout his lifetime.

He initially focused on painting religious scenes - but his patrons, wealthy and powerful members of the French court, convinced him to focus on pleasure instead, commissioning paintings of their wives and mistresses.

The Bolt — image 1

The painting is set up like a theatre set, with the light shining on the couple like a projector.

The curtains frame the bed like a stage.

The scene is filled with sexual symbols - the apple, the shape of the curtains...

The Bolt — image 1
The Bolt — image 2
The Bolt — image 3
1 / 3

However, the painting has also been seen by some as very unnerving.

Is the encounter consensual?

Is that someone else hiding under the sheets?

The Bolt — image 1
The Bolt — image 2
The Bolt — image 3
The Bolt — image 4
The Bolt — image 5
The Bolt — image 6
The Bolt — image 7
1 / 7

Fragonard is one of France's most celebrated artists.

Some of his paintings have been sold for more than $20 million.