Head of a boy 1890

Silvestro Lega painted this boy’s head in oil on canvas sometime in the late 19th century. Here, Lega makes use of materials readily available to him. Oil paint had become a common medium for artists in Europe, valued for its versatility and ability to capture light and texture. Look closely, and you'll notice the artist's brushstrokes. The loose, expressive handling of the paint lends the portrait a sense of immediacy. These materials and the painting process give a sense of the artist's hand, a direct connection to his labor. The clothing of the boy, rendered in broad strokes, suggests a humble background. The choice of subject matter, a common boy rather than a member of the aristocracy, reflects a shift towards realism. The artist chose accessible materials to depict the life of the working class, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and everyday life.