Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Antoine Le Moyne 1747

Jean-Baptiste Perronneau captured this portrait of Jean-Baptiste Antoine Le Moyne in pastel, a medium favored for its delicate touch. Note the careful attention to the curls of the boy’s powdered wig, a symbol of status and adherence to fashion in the 18th century. These carefully arranged curls echo motifs found in ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, where hair was often stylized into similar patterns. The formal attire contrasts with the youthful, almost vulnerable expression on the boy’s face, creating a tension that resonates with the complex social expectations placed upon children of this era. It reminds us how symbols of power and status are continuously being redefined through art and evolve with changing cultural values. The psychological impact is powerful, inviting us to reflect on the transient nature of youth. These symbols are never static. The boy's blue eyes seem to look hopefully forward.