What is the theme of the painting "The Lovers" by Jean-Honoré Fragonard?

The theme of "The Lovers" by Jean-Honoré Fragonard centers on romantic love and sensuality, which is vividly expressed through the intimate pose of the figures and the lush setting that surrounds them. Fragonard captures a moment of passionate intimacy, emphasizing the emotions and physical closeness between the lovers. The soft, delicate brushwork and the warm, inviting color palette enhance this theme, creating an aura of sensuality and desire.

In the context of the Rococo movement to which Fragonard belongs, the focus on love and romance is typical, as artists sought to portray the joy and flirtation of courtship. The painting invites the viewer into a private world of affection, celebrating the carnal aspects of love without veiling it in the more serious tones of religious or moral themes. This emphasis on romantic and sensual encounters was quintessential to Rococo art, making the theme of "The Lovers" a prime example of the celebration of love in this period.