The Sultan
1774
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, usually famous for his frilly and romantic Rococo scenes, takes a detour into exoticism with this sketch of a seated figure in a turban. Signed 'Rome 1774' in the corner, the drawing captures a man—perhaps a local model or a character study—lounging in heavy, draped robes. The loose, energetic brushstrokes show off Fragonard's incredible speed, making the fabric look soft and voluminous while the figure's expression remains somewhat weary and distant. It’s a fascinating look at how a master painter practiced capturing light and texture with just a few swift moves of the brush.
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