The reader by Fragonard - 1732-1806

Jean-Honoré Fragonard was a French painter and printmaker who lived from 1732-1806. He was one of the most celebrated artists of his time and is known for his Rococo style paintings that captured the essence of the French aristocracy. One of his most famous works is "The Reader," which is a cross stitch pattern that has become popular with needleworkers.

"The Reader" depicts a young girl seated in a chair with a book in her lap. She is dressed in a flowing dress and her hair is styled in an elegant manner. The painting is known for its use of light and shadow, as well as the intricate details of the girl's dress and the book she is holding. The cross stitch pattern captures all of these details, making it a popular choice among needleworkers.

Children were often depicted in paintings during the 17th century, as they were seen as a symbol of innocence and purity. Fragonard's "The Reader" is no exception, as the young girl in the painting exudes a sense of innocence and tranquility. Her body language is relaxed and her eyes are focused on the book in her lap, indicating that she is engrossed in the story. Fragonard captured the essence of childhood in this painting, making it a timeless work of art.

Fragonard was known for his Rococo style, which was characterized by a focus on ornate decoration and light-hearted subject matter. The style emerged in France during the early 18th century and was popular among the French aristocracy. Rococo paintings were often commissioned to decorate the palaces and homes of the wealthy, as they were seen as a sign of prestige and sophistication.

"The Reader" was painted in the late 18th century, when Rococo was falling out of favor and a new style, known as Neoclassicism, was emerging. Neoclassicism was characterized by a focus on classical themes and an emphasis on simplicity and order. Despite this shift in artistic style, "The Reader" remained popular, as it captured the essence of childhood and innocence that was so often celebrated during the Rococo period.

The cross stitch pattern of "The Reader" has become popular with needleworkers around the world. The pattern captures all of the intricate details of the painting, making it a challenging but rewarding project for needleworkers of all skill levels. The use of color in the pattern is particularly striking, as it captures the light and shadow of the painting in a way that is true to the original work of art.

In addition to its popularity among needleworkers, "The Reader" has also become a popular subject for art historians and enthusiasts. The painting captures a moment in time, when childhood was celebrated and innocence was revered. It is a testament to the artistic talent of Fragonard and a reminder of the beauty of the Rococo period.

Fragonard's "The Reader" is a timeless work of art that has captured the hearts of people around the world. The painting celebrates childhood and innocence in a way that is both beautiful and striking. The cross stitch pattern of "The Reader" has become popular with needleworkers, as it captures all of the intricate details of the painting. Fragonard's work is a reminder of the beauty of the Rococo period and a testament to his artistic talent.

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This pattern was designed using the following materials:

Fabric: Aida 14, White 150w X 188h Stitches Size: 14 Count, 10-5/8w X 13-3/8h in Floss Used for Full Stitches: Type Number Color DMC 300 Mahogany-VY DK DMC 301 Mahogany-MD DMC 310 Black DMC 371 Mustard DMC 400 Mahogany-DK DMC 420 Hazelnut Brown-DK DMC 434 Brown-LT DMC 435 Brown-VY LT DMC 436 Tan DMC 498 Christmas Red-DK DMC 606 Bright Orange-Red DMC 610 Drab Brown-DK DMC 611 Drab Brown DMC 613 Drab Brown-VY LT DMC 720 Orange Spice-DK DMC 728 Topaz DMC 738 Tan-VY LT DMC 740 Tangerine DMC 741 Tangerine-MD DMC 742 Tangerine-LT DMC 780 Topaz-UL VY DK DMC 781 Topaz-VY DK DMC 782 Topaz-DK DMC 783 Topaz-MD DMC 801 Coffee Brown-DK DMC 814 Garnet-DK DMC 829 Golden Olive-VY DK DMC 830 Golden Olive-DK DMC 869 Hazelnut Brown-VY DK DMC 898 Coffee Brown-VY DK DMC 900 Burnt Orange-DK DMC 902 Garnet-VY DK DMC 919 Red Copper DMC 920 Copper-MD DMC 921 Copper DMC 936 Avocado Green-VY DK DMC 938 Coffee Brown-UL DK DMC 945 Tawny DMC 946 Burnt Orange-MD DMC 948 Peach-VY LT DMC 971 Pumpkin DMC 972 Canary-DK DMC 975 Golden Brown-DK DMC 976 Golden Brown-MD DMC 977 Golden Brown-LT DMC 3031 Mocha Brown-VY DK DMC 3371 Black Brown DMC 3776 Mahogany-LT DMC 3782 Mocha Brown-LT DMC 3825 Pumpkin-Pale DMC 3827 Golden Brown-Pale DMC 3829 Old Gold-VY DK DMC 3852 Straw-VY DK DMC 3853 Autumn Gold-DK DMC 3862 Mocha Beige-DK