This Girl is on Fire
Woman as Goddess
Curated by Emma Krasnopoler

Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing, 1767

The story here is clear: one girl, two lovers, and a secret rendezvous in a strikingly opulent forest. Both men watch the woman closely, yet they have very different views. But the hilarity of the painting does not end there. Only the woman and the viewers know about the two lovers. Perhaps they would see each other if they weren’t so distracted, but of course, neither bothers to lower his gaze. And then there’s that shoe, a perfect example of classic Fragonard eroticism of subtle implications. The woman gracefully lifts her left and sends the shoe flying – 10/10, perfect form.

Power and prowess, especially in the hands of a woman, is often depicted negatively. However, this particular woman does not play the villain in this story. Sure, she’s stringing two different men along, but neither one seems to be getting the short end of the deal. Furthermore, this woman is openly pursuing sexual enjoyment, yet we can be certain that she is not a prostitute. I’m not saying this woman is perfect, or even that she isn’t something of a sexual object, however there is an unmistakable dominance in her risqué actions and raised position above the tops of her lovers’ heads. She is the most prominent figure in the scene while her lovers remain in the shadows. She calls the shots here, taking full advantage of her life...and her men.