The Louvre Abu Dhabi has made a captivating addition to its collection with the recent acquisition and unveiling of Jean-Honore Fragonard’s lesser-known painting, “Les Marionnettes.” While art enthusiasts may be familiar with Fragonard’s renowned works like “The Swing” and “Young Girl Reading,” this particular piece brings a touch of enchantment to the Middle East. Artworks by Fragonard are predominantly showcased in prominent Western art institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Wallace Collection, making its presence in Abu Dhabi all the more exceptional.
The chief curator of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guilhem Andre, explained that their aim is to bring the most beautiful artworks to Abu Dhabi and the region in all forms and shapes. They selected “Les Marionnettes” due to its exceptional quality and the fact that Fragonard was a celebrated artist of his time. However, Fragonard’s life and career remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, with limited information available due to the turbulent period of the French Revolution. Nevertheless, Fragonard, born in Grasse, a city now renowned for perfume, is believed to have created over 500 artworks, exploring various painting styles ranging from historical and mythological subjects to landscapes.
Painted in 1770, “Les Marionnettes” depicts a social gathering, likely set in a private garden in modern-day Paris during a Sunday in September. People of different social backgrounds, including commoners and nobility, come together to enjoy outdoor events. The focal point of the painting showcases individuals gathered around a puppet show, while others engage in purchasing small items from nearby stalls on the left side of the image.
Andre noted that the painting does not follow a narrative but rather exudes a captivating atmosphere with its beautiful, brightly lit landscape. The curator believes that “Les Marionnettes” might have served as a prototype for another larger work by Fragonard, currently owned by Banque de France.
Passed down through generations of collectors, the painting was acquired by the Louvre Abu Dhabi from the heirs of the Weil-Picard family, who had possessed it since 1936. This acquisition not only adds to the rich tapestry of the museum’s collection but also provides visitors with a rare opportunity to appreciate the lesser-known yet captivating works of Jean-Honore Fragonard.