Portrait of a Young Boy c. 1790 - 1795

This is an anonymous portrait of a young boy, painted in oil on canvas. The artist has built up the image with thin layers of pigment. The smooth, almost porcelain-like finish of the boy’s face contrasts with the visible brushstrokes in the dark background and the soft curls of his hair. The ruffled collar, rendered with delicate highlights, suggests an attention to detail and textile quality. While we don't know who the artist was, it’s safe to assume they were working within a well-established academic tradition. The labor is evident in the careful rendering of the boy's features and clothing, indicating a commission for a family of means. The painting’s small scale suggests it was made for intimate display, perhaps as a memento of childhood. The very act of creating a portrait involves a social contract, and it invites us to consider the power dynamics involved in representation. This image embodies not just artistic skill, but also the economic and social conditions that made such a commission possible.