The Kiss of Innocence, or The Swing

Maker Marguerite Gérard (French, 1761 - 1837)

Additional Title(s)

Park Scene with Women and Children
Women and Children in a Park
Le Baiser de l'innocence, or Le Balençoire

Collections

Women Artists

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca. 1787-1788

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions18 3/16 x 21 3/4 in. (46.2 x 55.2 cm.)

DescriptionThis painting portrays an idealized scene from 1700s France with mothers and children enjoying nature and playing on a swing.

SignedSigned in lower right of recto: Mlle / Gerard

InscribedSigned in lower right of recto: Mlle / Gerard

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Adele S. Browning Memorial Collection, gift of Mildred Browning Green and Honorable Lucius Peyton Green

Status

On view

Label TextOne of a number of female painters to exhibit in France in the 18th century, Gérard specialized in tender scenes of mothers and children. Her paintings exemplify the purest Enlightenment principles of virtuous childrearing.

Object number78.20.7