The Young Singer 1645

"The Young Singer" is a 1645 oil painting by Georges de la Tour, a French Baroque artist known for his dramatic use of light and shadow. The painting depicts a young boy, illuminated by a single candle, holding a book and singing, possibly a hymn. The chiaroscuro technique, with its stark contrasts, creates a sense of intimacy and focuses attention on the subject's face and the book. De la Tour's masterful use of light, often representing divine inspiration, is a hallmark of his work. The painting is a striking example of Caravaggism, the artistic style inspired by the Italian painter Caravaggio.