Little boy 

Editor: This oil painting, titled "Little Boy," is by Noè Bordignon, although it doesn't have a specific date attached to it. What struck me right away is how serious he looks; it’s a very dignified portrait. What do you make of it? Curator: You know, it's funny, I see him as a bit of a daydreamer. The slightly blurred edges give the piece an unfinished quality, a sense of passing time, almost as if the boy is in a world of his own. Bordignon captures the fleeting essence of childhood beautifully, don’t you think? The dark backdrop highlights the boy's innocence. Editor: That’s a lovely way to put it! The blurry background definitely enhances the effect. Do you think the brushstrokes add anything, style-wise? I think that it has a really traditional feel to it. Curator: Absolutely, the visible brushstrokes contribute to the impressionistic feel, it shows the artist was unafraid to leave his mark and his artistic vision without fully masking it behind precision. He’s almost sculpted the face from light and shadow. Are you at all reminded of Dutch Masters when you look at it? The same sense of restrained emotion, for instance? Editor: Yes! Actually, I hadn't thought of that, but I can definitely see it now. Thanks for pointing it out. Curator: My pleasure! Looking at his wistful face I'm left thinking about potential and longing. It's a compelling image that resonates with the passage of time. I shall give him another moment of my own, private wistfulness. Editor: Definitely a picture that makes you stop and think. I learned a lot. Thank you!