_Wool and Silk._ H. 9 _ft._ 10 _in._ W. 7 _ft._ 5 _in._ ]
BAIGNEUSE: _A bather attended by amorini is about to step into a woodland stream. In an oval frame surrounded by an encadrement of garlands upheld by amorini and satin drapes in the manner of Huet, on a gray ground._
The central panel is after Fragonard, a subject that he repeated with many variations. The piece is typical of the Aubusson work, delicate in color with the decorative effect depending largely on the flowery encadrement.
[Sidenote: Lent by _P. W. French & Company_.]
Jean Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) studied under Boucher, Greuze, and Chardin, and is usually considered the successor of Boucher. In 1752 he was given Grand Prize for Painting. He was a favorite painter of Madame Du Barry, for whom he did a great deal of work.
_Wool and Silk._ H. 8 _ft._ 10 _in._ W. 6 _ft._ 6 _in._ ]
AU BORD DU MER: _In an oval panel are peasants landing from a rowboat. In the harbor under a cliff is a sailing vessel. In an encadrement of red and blue flowers and ribbons on a gray ground._
[Sidenote: Formerly in the Vaffrin Collection, Bordeaux.]
The central panel is after Vernet, who was particularly famous for his port scenes. The encadrement is unusually rich and delicate.
[Sidenote: Lent by _Wildenstein & Company_.]
Claude-Joseph Vernet (1714-1789) first studied under his father as a decorative painter of wall and furniture panels. Afterward he studied under Bernardino Fergiori in Rome to be a marine painter. In 1735 he was received by the Academy. His most famous paintings, of the seaports of France, are in the Louvre.
CHINESE GROTESQUE: _A Chinaman, fantastically dressed, stands between two tall tropical trees. On a pale-blue ground._
The piece is a delightful example of the taste for _chinoiseries_ which the Pompadour fostered for the benefit of the French East India Company, in which she was interested, and which taste was eagerly followed by the frivolous and bored French court, always seeking novelty.
_Wool and Silk._ H. 4 _ft._ 3 _in._ W. 3 _ft._ 9 _in._ ]
ARMORIAL: _On a red ground, two angels support a shield. Border of scrolls._
This crisp and delicate little armorial is a fine example of the best quality of work done at Aubusson in the late XVIIIth century. The clear drawing on the deep-red background makes a vivid piece of decoration.