Cocktails with a Curator: Fragonard’s Progress of Love Series, Part One

[@frickcollection]

FEATURED COCKTAIL: Chilled champagne; the mocktail is chilled ginger ale. For the complete recipes, visit frick.org/cocktails-curator.

[@kimberlykohler7397]

I like Xavier's straightforward unembellished delivery.

[@bluelola4480]

Got here by accident and I'm staying! Xavier, you are a great storyteller.

[@dweeb99]

Phenomenal. Two chilling quotes, each pertinent to our times. At minute 23: "This ... suggests the development of the relationship of a couple, as it was understood in the 18th century." Lop-sided in favor of the male, even today. And at minute 28:30: "Men of limited intelligence lacked the imagination to be touched by inner suffering..." which is what we have far too much of at this very hour. I never thought Fragonard was relevant, but - through Madame du Berry - yes, he is very relevant. Thank You, Dr Salomon, and the Frick!

[@Leebearify]

I was thinking about what I wanted to say regarding our time together with Dr. Salomon today and then I read your words. May I say that you have absolutely reflected my thoughts completely. The comment at 28:30 gave me chills and then tears. Thank you Charles for being so articulate when I couldn't. Thank you, Dr. Salomon again you have given me food for thought as well as reflections of the beauty of the art. I am going now, to search for a well researched biography of Madame du Berry.

[@vivianbarnett6944]

Happy to be here again this week! It's always a pleasure

[@skorbitdusha]

It's become part of my Friday routine to listen and greatly enjoy these lectures. Of course, thanks to them, drinking has also become part of my routine, but that is another subject.

[@robertn800]

Very interesting conversation. Madame DuBarry is one of the people of 18th century France who theres a lot of misinformation about. Mostly in bios of Marie Antoinette. First, she was poor when young, but one of her Mother’s lovers paid for her to have an excellent education for 7 years at a Strict Convent school in which she thrived & had a better education than most of the Nobles at Versailles. She was never a prostitute, as in a streetwalker, she sold trinkets, assisted a hairdresser & was working in a Hat Shop when DuBarry met her & saw how beautiful she was & took her under his wing, training her to be a Courtesan, she attended salons befriended Voltaire & other intellectuals. She learned the complicated etiquette of Versailles. Louis XV saw her in a crowd in the Hall of Mirrors & they began their relationship. Louis XV shut down the Parc Aux Cerfs where his sexual needs were fulfilled & Madame DuBarry was installed at Versailles. Most there snubbed her because she was of common birth & the noble women felt they were more worthy of being the official Maitress en Titre. Unlike Mme de Pompadour she did not insert herself in politics & just wanted to enjoy herself & make the King happy, which she did. Unlike Pompadour, when she heard about people about to be executed, she would beg the King to pardon them, which he did. After returning to Louveciennes she helped the citizens there. During the Revolution, she took in, hid & tended to the wounds of 2 guards of Antoinette’s during the storming of Versailles. She hid others including the nephew of the Abyss of the convent she was sent to after Versailles -who she wrote to & had a friendship with until she died. Vigge’’ LeBrun, was painting DuBarry’s portrait when the Bastille was destroyed and immediately left for Paris & when she saw what was happening she left for Italy & didn’t return to France until after Napoleon, So she did not see Madame DuBarry’s execution, but obviously heard about it. Madame DuBarry’s last words were supposedly “ A moment more, Executioner, a moment more…” What a sad end for a kind woman who saved many. 💔

[@darrendazcox]

It's nice to read a perspective that was written from the heart, thank you! I've actually painted Madame DuBarry squaring off with Marie Antoinette so your comments are of great value to me!!

[@rosemarycaruso9071]

Another excellent lesson. History and Art History. Thank you Xavier.

[@birgitalbrecht8228]

I totally agree, and that he positions the artist 200 years earlier in time is a nice slip ;-).

[@luciemedici]

Happy to join everyone this evening Xavier is my favorite 🌹 Although all curators are terrific and informative.

[@annel736]

Another wonderful Friday. Thank you.💚

[@jinmikim8095]

Profitable lesson as always. Looking forward to next episode!!! Thanks

[@EricaNernie]

Fascinating. Thank you!

[@dorothywoods7446]

Another fascinating story related in such a captivating way. I can't wait for the next part.

[@meggallucci5300]

Just when you think this program could not get better, it does. What an interesting, compelling recount of Madame du Barry tied in with the beautiful, lively and charming paintings by Fragonard about the development of love over time. We also hear a bit about the Villa d’Este at Tivoli, an awe inspiring site and one of my favorite places on this earth.

[@leilapinto7985]

Very enlightening, this is wonderful ..thank you! Goes beyond art to delve into architecture, mythology and history.

[@carolmanzi782]

Absolutely fabulous! After work each Friday the engaging talks by Xavier are the highlight of my week. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and the stories behind The Frick Collection. Bravo Sir!

[@dawnjackson1802]

I continue to be amazed at the content and delivery of The Frick productions. My calendar indicates we would be in NYC today absent the pandemic. 🇨🇦

[@j.eliotmason18]

Amazing story

[@lyudmilagrigoryeva4682]

What a intriguing and informative story. It motivates us to read and learn more about history.

[@ioanachinan2824]

Thank you! it is so nice to listen to all the stories related to these wonderful paintings. Can't wait till next week! greetings from Auckland, Ioana

[@Booka60]

I remember reading accounts of Mme. du Berry execution, that were so chilling. Her screams echoed for a very long time, they said. As always, Xavier takes us on a enchanted voyage, filled with the very best artistic elements the ages have to offer, and champagne! Is it no wonder I consider him my imaginary BF?....lol...Thank You!

[@janeking9540]

Fascinating, especially the focus on Madame du Barry. I can't wait to see the new film about her life called Jeanne du Barry and starring Johnny Depp as King Louis XVI and the writer and director Maïwenn, as Madame Du Barry. It's a French language film opening at Cannes this May. Hope it gets a UK release.

[@hughcurtis4741]

Another fabulous episode. I cannot wait for next week! Thank you Xavier and all at The Frick x

[@IceYacht1]

This series is very special; much appreciated. So wonderful to be educated in this delightful and somewhat intimate manner.

[@ViviNyc1]

Fascinating, thank you so much!

[@kurtk6592]

A wonderful history of these canvases and those who brought them to life. I look forward to hearing about how they made their way to the Frick. Grateful, as always!

[@deborahturner9611]

Hello from Richmond, Virginia with heartfelt appreciation for the Friday evening programs. Thank you❤

[@alyons6769]

Thank you. That was terrific. However, for a Saturday morning in the antipodes, a coffee might be preferred to a cocktail! :)

[@miguelferreira9407]

Same here, these have been such a treat during Victoria’s lockdown. Please keep ‘em coming

[@kimberlykile2343]

Thank you so much. It is so wonderful to be able to see this amazing collection into my home. Hello from California🏖

[@margaretspain2127]

I enjoy these presentations very much! Learning a great deal. Many thanks!

[@Leebearify]

Absolutely wonderful! So much to see and learn. I had heard of Fraggonard prints on material and wallpaper but had never heard the full complete story. As always Dr. Salomon it was wonderful to join you over champagne !

[@scopj]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with everyone watching this brilliant 1st part of 'Fragonard's Progress of Love'. Looking forward to get to watch the second episode!

[@elenaoldgirl6616]

Thank you for this breathtaking story.

[@lorettabertoli3736]

Thank you so much for the video, probably one of the best ones so far, loved and can't wait to see the second half next week! 😍 Cheers 🥂 from Italy 🇮🇹 and goodnight.

[@Diana-yj2ko]

Superb! Thanks Mr. Salomon.

[@maura9035]

Cheers from Montreal 🇨🇦! Excellent episode can’t wait for part 2 . Have a great weekend.

[@ritabiro5105]

It was again very nice l am impressed by so lovely parks with children and lovers from Wallase the Swing I knew and Persuit i preferred from them.Suprisingly you tolked just a little about Villa' deste wich I happened to visit shotly and descovered Franz Liszt hungarian componits buste.It really the musik amoung the fountins beautiful.I have cd played by italian musisions greatly.Of course the classicizm in palaces and Fragonards life depicts a desapiered epoche. THANKS AGAIN TO YOU.its a lo of work you and collegues I am getting also tyred but interested and wish you success.

[@DesireLinesHK]

How about Xavier's fabulous robe? Wonderful series and I love to see what he wears each episode, too.

[@LindaLinda80Linda]

This is my favorite room at the Frick. Some years ago I saw a show directed by the great Susan Stroman called CONTACT. The first act was an improvisation on THE SWING and was nothing short of brilliant. Staged to look like the painting dancers made it come alive in the most beautiful and sensual way. Now I can never look at this painting without thinking of that performance.

[@darrendazcox]

I've been practicing to do ceiling and wall murals with heavy influence from the Rococo for 30 years after I was inspired and given a start on my passion in college. I intend to bring good art back!

[@carlaroberts4969]

Bravissimo! Grazie.

[@willmatthews3155]

Great!!!

[@MrCarolperroni]

Maravilhoso!!!! Um olá do Brasil!!

[@JudySerkes]

excellent

[@cairoalexander9727]

The Pavilion is listed for sale in the Greatest Estates section of Christies Real Estate web site if you want to be a lookie Lui. If I was writing the treatment for this story it would be the kings luke warm reaction to the canvases that lead to DB ditching them.

[@jyotsnakorgaonkar9621]

I have seen this by B.Collin Very interesting story

[@Vincent112june]

You would have to wonder if she saw not a reference to herself in the allegory but the earlier mistress, Mme de Pompadour.

[@siangibby5771]

Fragonard born 1732, not 1532, of course ... :)

[@peggywarren8112]

Sian Gibby I thought the date was a little off....thanks for the clarification!

[@ernesthemingvej4808]

Ich liebe Fragonard,er ist mein lieblich Kunst.In mein Wohnung habe ich Fragonard und Boucher mmmm

[@belkysherrera9047]

Excellent! all the details one needs to go deeply into the painting and the artist.

[@johnirelan1914]

Another superb cocktail hour...I wonder if Mr. Solomon is aware of the very fine, full scale copies commissioned by, If memory serves me correctly, the Broadway producer, Billy Ross, in the late 1940s-1950s with all of the faces being those of all of the notable stage figures of that era....Lynn Fontaine and Alfred Lunt were the "Lovers Crowned" ....Elvis Presley the little dog, etc. These paintings...2 or 4 were in a private collection here in Washington D.C. for years. Guests in that house for the 1st time and familiar with the Frick Fragonards were at first stunned to see such works until their hostess suggested a closer look at the faces. I have no idea where they are today. JPI

[@johnirelan1914]

Oops....Billy ROSE !

[@ToddHoff]

Wait, didn't you say the series was over?

[@janetcohenmandel315]

I think it's the Travels with a Curator that's over. :(

[@tomson70]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@goodboybuddy1]

Pierpont Morgan