The Lock
Jean-Honoré Fragonard · 1777
Why it's great
A man locks a door with one arm, as a woman tries to push him away and to reach a table with an apple in the background. Fragonard painted it in 1777. The sparkle of the fabrics is dazzling. The meaning is mysterious, so viewers still debate it.
Where to see it
📍 Louvre MuseumParis, France
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
About the artist
Jean-Honoré Fragonard1732–1806 · born in Grasse · died in former 2nd arrondissement of Paris
Jean-Honoré Fragonard was born in Grasse, in the south of France, and moved to Paris as a boy. He studied in Italy and became a star of the Rococo style, painting playful, romantic scenes for the nobility. After the French Revolution, his style fell out of fashion, and he spent his last years nearly forgotten in Paris. Today we again admire his speed and charm.
