The Shepherdess by Jean-Honoré Fragonard 1750-1752

The Shepherdess is a painting by the French artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard, completed in 1750. The painting depicts a young shepherdess, dressed in rustic clothing, sitting on a rock with her sheep at her feet. The background shows a pastoral landscape with a river and a castle in the distance. The painting is a perfect example of Fragonard's Rococo style, characterized by soft colors, delicate brushwork, and playful themes. The Rococo style was popular in Europe during the 18th century, especially in France. It was characterized by an emphasis on decorative and ornamental art, as well as a light-hearted and playful approach to subject matter. Rococo art often depicted romantic themes, pastoral scenes, and mythological figures. It was also characterized by a focus on feminine beauty, with delicate and flowing lines.

Fragonard was one of the most famous Rococo painters, and his work is a perfect example of the style. His paintings often depicted idyllic scenes of nature and everyday life, with a focus on the beauty of women and children. The Shepherdess is a perfect example of this style, with its emphasis on the beauty of the young shepherdess and the pastoral landscape in the background. The painting has become a popular subject for cross-stitch patterns, as it captures the romantic and innocent spirit of the Rococo period. Cross-stitch enthusiasts enjoy the challenge of recreating the delicate brushwork and soft colors of the painting in thread. The Shepherdess is also a popular subject for framing and displaying in the home, as it adds a touch of Rococo elegance to any room.

The popularity of The Shepherdess as a cross-stitch pattern reflects the enduring appeal of the Rococo style. Even today, people are drawn to the light-hearted and playful themes of Rococo art, as well as its emphasis on beauty and femininity. The delicate and flowing lines of Rococo art also lend themselves well to the precise and intricate nature of cross-stitching. In addition to its popularity with cross-stitch enthusiasts, The Shepherdess has also become a favorite subject for art lovers and collectors. The painting is part of the Wallace Collection in London, a museum that houses a large collection of Rococo art. The collection includes works by other famous Rococo painters, such as Boucher and Watteau.

The Shepherdess is a testament to the enduring beauty and appeal of Rococo art. It captures the innocence and romanticism of the period, as well as the delicate and flowing lines that characterize the style. Its popularity as a cross-stitch pattern reflects the enduring appeal of Rococo art, and its place in the Wallace Collection in London ensures that it will continue to be admired and appreciated for generations to come.

This pattern was designed using the following materials:

Fabric: Aida 14, White 250w X 185h Stitches Size: 14 Count, 17-3/4w X 13-1/8h in Floss Used for Full Stitches: Type Number Color DMC 159 Gray Blue-LT DMC 168 Pewter-VY LT DMC 169 Pewter-LT DMC 310 Black DMC 317 Pewter Gray DMC 318 Steel Gray-LT DMC 319 Pistachio Green-VY DK DMC 356 Terra Cotta-MD DMC 372 Mustard-LT DMC 407 Desert Sand-DK DMC 415 Pearl Gray DMC 436 Tan DMC 452 Shell Gray-MD DMC 500 Blue Green-VY DK DMC 501 Blue Green-DK DMC 520 Fern Green-DK DMC 524 Fern Green-VY LT DMC 612 Drab Brown-LT DMC 613 Drab Brown-VY LT DMC 640 Beige Gray-VY DK DMC 645 Beaver Gray-VY DK DMC 647 Beaver Gray-MD DMC 648 Beaver Gray-LT DMC 676 Old Gold-LT DMC 680 Old Gold-DK DMC 729 Old Gold-MD DMC 738 Tan-VY LT DMC 758 Terra Cotta-VY LT DMC 779 Cocoa-DK DMC 783 Topaz-MD DMC 829 Golden Olive-VY DK DMC 833 Golden Olive-LT DMC 842 Beige Brown-VY LT DMC 869 Hazelnut Brown-VY DK DMC 924 Gray Green--VY DK DMC 926 Gray Green-MD DMC 931 Antique Blue-MD DMC 932 Antique Blue-LT DMC 934 Black Avocado Green DMC 938 Coffee Brown-UL DK DMC 950 Desert Sand-LT DMC 975 Golden Brown-DK DMC 3012 Khaki Green-MD DMC 3021 Brown Gray-VY DK DMC 3022 Brown Gray-MD DMC 3033 Mocha Brown-VY LT DMC 3064 Desert Sand DMC 3371 Black Brown DMC 3743 Antique Violet-VY LT DMC 3752 Antique Blue-VY LT DMC 3768 Gray Green-DK DMC 3787 Brown Gray-DK DMC 3790 Beige Gray-UL DK DMC 3799 Pewter Gray-VY DK DMC 3827 Golden Brown-Pale DMC 3829 Old Gold-VY DK DMC 3856 Mahogany-UL VY LT DMC 3861 Cocoa-LT DMC 3862 Mocha Beige-DK DMC 3864 Mocha Beige-LT