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Mistakenly thought to be by Boucher when acquired by the 4th Marquess of Hertford, 'The Musical Contest' is an early work by Fragonard dating from the period immediately following his time in Boucher's studio, c.1754–1755. The subject is inspired by Boucher's pastorals, and may be compared with that master's 'Summer Pastoral' (Boucher P489). The handling, however, is characteristic of Fragonard, with a warmer palette combined with greater attention to surface effect and use of impasto. Similarly, the theatrical flickering light effects, calligraphic foliage, and twisting poses with swirling drapery all reveal the hand of Fragonard.