Head of a Young Boy 1740 - 1805

Jean-Baptiste Greuze sketched this “Head of a Young Boy” in sanguine chalk, likely in France, sometime in the 18th century. Greuze was known for his sentimental genre paintings, which celebrated domestic virtue and moral lessons. This drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's working process. Greuze’s focus on the boy’s head suggests an interest in capturing the nuances of emotion and expression. The soft lines and warm tones of the chalk contribute to the overall sense of intimacy and tenderness. This hints at the changing attitudes toward children during the Enlightenment, when childhood began to be seen as a distinct and innocent phase of life. The art market was changing, too. Academies were founded and exhibitions held that helped to determine what kinds of art were valued. To understand this work better, we can look to period writings about art education and the changing social status of children. These kinds of social and institutional contexts can help us to more deeply understand the meaning of this seemingly simple sketch.