The portrait of a child became a popular genre in Europe in the 16th century, it was during the Age of Enlightenment that it developed in France. However, the petite models are still often subject to the codes of the official portrait, showing them in their most cultured aspect. Until the end of the Middle Ages, representations of children were rare and still modest in the 16th century.
Moreover, the child is never alone if it is not the exceptional child who is a royal child or the Child Jesus.
The canvas represented is of high quality and extremely rare because children are represented with toys.
This canvas can bring us closer to the realities and their daily life in the 18th century
On the left side of the painting, signature 1775 and illegible signature
Oil on canvas
France 1775
Width: 46,45 inch (118 cm)
Height: 35,03 inch (89 cm)