The Bolt (1776-1779), 73 x 93 cm, oil on canvas, held in the Louvre Museum. Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) was one of the representative painters of 18th-century French Rococo painting. He explored all types of painting and was deeply influenced by many artists (Rubens, Tiepolo, and Boucher). In his works, he excelled at indulgent erotic imagery and distinctive portrait styles.

This passionate and imaginative work elucidates a secular love story, like an exciting romance novel, or more like a theatrical performance. A handsome young man leads his lover into a room; his left hand tightly embraces her waist, he stands on tiptoe, raises his right hand to bolt the door, and turns his face as if to kiss her. But this blonde woman in gorgeous attire, unexpectedly rejects the young man's advance; her right hand blocks his chin as if struggling, her head tilts back, with an expression of surprise and tenderness, raising her right hand to try to open the bolt. Her skirt is full of folds, her right leg suspended, conveying another forceful embrace. From the tight trousers behind the young man, a powerful, sensual physique is revealed.

The entire scene unfolds in this closed, intimate space. Beside it is a bed; on the bedside table sits a red apple (symbolizing the forbidden fruit); on the floor lies a bouquet of fresh flowers, seemingly brought by the young man. An invisible, coercive tension radiates throughout. Within the bold diagonal composition of the apple and the bolt, dramatic lighting (like stage lights) sweeps across the bed, focusing on the couple, effectively providing a poetic atmosphere. It fully displays a unique French sensibility and emotional sensitivity.