Child's Head 1725 - 1805

Jean-Baptiste Greuze created "Child's Head," a subtle drawing, with reddish-brown chalk. The composition focuses on the face, tilted downwards, creating a sense of introspection. Greuze masterfully uses hatching and cross-hatching to model the child's features. Note the soft, diffused light that gently illuminates the forehead and cheek, contrasting with the darker, shadowed areas around the eyes and neck. This play of light and shadow gives the face a three-dimensional quality. The lines are not just descriptive; they are expressive, conveying the delicate texture of the skin and the soft curls of the hair. This focus on sentiment and the inner emotional life of the subject reflects the broader artistic and philosophical interests of the 18th century, challenging the traditional emphasis on grand historical and mythological subjects. The drawing's simple composition and intimate scale invite viewers to contemplate the innocence and vulnerability of childhood.