Towards the end of Fragonard's life, the old social order was collapsing under the freedom of the press and the explosion of knowledge thanks to 'The Enlightenment'. As a result the French Revolution took shape, deeply affecting Fragonard and his private patrons, who were either guillotined or exiled. On top of this he failed to successfully adapt his style to the new neoclassical vogue, later becoming forgotten and ruined by the Revolution, dying in poverty.