The Lighter Side of 18th-Century French Interiors

Newly renovated galleries at The Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art show off 18th-century French artworks and objects in a whole new light–literally. The Frick has just reopened its Fragonard Room (at right), after its first major relighting and refurbishment in 60 years. Lighting designer Richard Renfro set out to give the impression that the room’s wall-sized Fragonard paintings were lit only by natural light and the room’s chandelier while bringing the furniture, porcelain, and sculpture into balance with the paintings.