Child with rabbits 1879

Polychronis Lembesis created "Child with Rabbits" during a period of significant social change in Greece. The late 19th century saw the rise of nation-building projects alongside challenging social and economic conditions for many. The image captures a young boy, perhaps on the cusp of adolescence, caught in a moment of quiet interaction with two rabbits. Lembesis invites us to consider the boy's relationship with the animals, who are often seen as symbols of innocence and vulnerability. Yet there's an unsettling contrast here; the boy, who seems to be in a state of poverty, offers the rabbits food which may suggest an underlying story of survival and the complex relationships between humans and animals. The bare feet of the boy and the rustic setting hint at a life removed from urban comforts, reflecting the rural realities of the time. Lembesis doesn't shy away from depicting the textures of everyday life, reminding us of the intimate, often unseen moments that shape our existence. "Child with Rabbits" captures a moment of quiet beauty but also prompts a dialogue about the social realities of the artist's time.