Well-guarded Infant 1867

"Well-guarded Infant" (1867) by Dutch artist August Allebé depicts a peaceful scene inside a humble barn. The infant, nestled in a cradle, is surrounded by a variety of animals, including a cow, chickens, and a magpie, creating a whimsical and heartwarming tableau. Allebé's masterful use of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere, adds to the overall charm of the artwork. This painting, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Allebé's genre painting style, which often featured scenes of everyday life, capturing the simplicity and beauty of the ordinary.