Boy picking off Fleas, half length 1626

Cornelis Saftleven’s 1626 charcoal drawing, “Boy picking off Fleas, half length,” captures a young boy in a moment of daily life. Saftleven was known for his detailed depictions of everyday scenes, and this drawing is a fine example of his style. The boy's focused expression, the way he holds his hand to his chest, and the subtle shading of the charcoal create a sense of intimacy and realism. The artist’s signature, "1626", is visible in the upper right corner, making this piece an example of Dutch Baroque art, as well as a historical record.