Was painted and exhibited in 1753 in Salon, France
Then, presently, showcased in 1979 at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Good Education is an oil on canvas painting made by Jean Baptiste Simeon Chardin in ca. 1753. Chardin was a painter who chose to paint in the opposite of what was considered as art of his era. He chose not to make art in the Rococo Painting style as a way of embracing the normal, daily lives of the citizen of France. Most of his painting include objects from daily life like fruits, meat on the table, cats, and even women doing household works.
As in the painting, it can be seen, there are two figures, one female tutor sitting in the left side of the painting and a young, well-dressed girl, standing with hands held together in an obeying manner. The setting is in a warm tone where Chardin hs beautifully blended the light from the window with ambience of the painting. It is a well furnished room, with two chairs and a cupboard in the background, in a dark tone. In the left side, a red-cushioned stool stands with a chest on it, while a red curtain covers some of the scene. The color of the curtains show the shadow effect as well as light passing through it partially. The window on the left side is the main source of light in the painting, as it clearly falls upon both the figures. The bright tones of the clothes giving a homely atmosphere, as well as enhancing its features.
The expression on the woman's face seems gentle and kind, looking at the girl in front of her who looks at the ground, showing a sense of nervousness. The artist has beautifully shown the essence and emotions of the painting by these subtle expressions which show a lot about the culture of the bourgieous class in French period.
It shows a domestic side of the French in the Enlightenment Era. It was gift for the Queen of Sweden. The inspiration clearly reflected the era he grew up in and the parts of society he chose to focus. He did not chose the usual Rococo style for his era rather he chose to play with light and shadows with the study of still life as well as domestic life of the people. The painting above shows the same innocence that all his paintings carry which include children doing activities. It showcased the dignity and humbleness of society, rather representing a side to many, which often focused on mythological aspects with grand forms of nature and palaces in its paintings. It could be a reminder, that he beautifully portrayed the innocence of daily life, with an elegant softness which remarks why his paintings are considered a gem now, to focus on one's feelings while painting and be in the present in an appreciative state of mood.
I think the fact that Chardin chose to focus on domesticity and scenes of everyday life during the prominent era of Enlightenment and Rococo really shows the importance of humanity beneath all the frills, trends, and movements. Chardin creates dignified interest in the observation of quiet human relationships.
