Playing Soldier c. 1743

"Playing Soldier" (c. 1743) by Philippe Mercier is a charming portrait of three children engaged in a playful game. The painting captures a moment of childhood innocence and exuberance, as the children pretend to be soldiers, complete with a toy spear and a dog standing at attention. Mercier, known for his portraits of British aristocracy, uses a light palette and loose brushwork to create a sense of informality and spontaneity, making this work a delightful example of 18th-century portraiture.