The Portrait of Son of the Artist 

Léon Bakst captured his son, seemingly in watercolor, presenting a tender scene filled with everyday objects. The child plays with a toy animal, a motif resonating through centuries. Consider how animals appear in art: from ancient Egyptian deities embodying power, to medieval bestiaries symbolizing moral lessons, and Renaissance allegories representing human traits. Here, the toy perhaps mirrors a sense of innocence and the child's burgeoning understanding of the world around him. The motif of childhood is deeply entrenched in the collective psyche. Recall images of cherubic figures in Renaissance paintings, embodying purity and divine love. The very act of portraying children carries an emotional weight, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. It reminds us of our own past, our own lost innocence, and the universal human experience of growth and discovery. The innocence of youth is constantly reshaped, taking on new meanings as societies evolve.