An expressive 1763 etching by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, depicting the discovery of the empty tomb with characteristic fluid lines and dramatic movement.

This etching by Jean-Honoré Fragonard depicts a scene of religious narrative, specifically the discovery of the empty tomb. The composition is divided between the earthly realm, where the figures of the disciples react with surprise and contemplation, and the celestial sphere, occupied by a hovering figure. Fragonard employs a loose, energetic line quality that is characteristic of his graphic work, prioritising movement and emotional expression over rigid anatomical precision. The work is signed 'Frago Sculp 1763' and includes an inscription referencing the Church of San Rocco in Venice. This reflects the artist's period of travel in Italy, where he studied the works of earlier masters. The etching demonstrates his ability to translate the fluid, painterly qualities of his brushwork into the medium of printmaking. The figures are rendered with a sense of urgency, their drapery caught in motion, which creates a dynamic interaction between the light and shadow across the plate. Unlike his more famous genre scenes or portraits, this print offers a glimpse into the artist's engagement with traditional iconography. The etching process allows for a spontaneity that complements the dramatic subject matter. The contrast between the solid, block-like structure of the tomb and the ethereal, swirling forms of the figures above provides a clear visual hierarchy. This piece is a fine example of eighteenth-century French printmaking, capturing the transition between the decorative sensibilities of the Rococo period and a more emotive, personal approach to historical subjects.