The Young Harpist c. 1804 - 1806

"The Young Harpist" (c. 1804 - 1806) by Louis Léopold Boilly is a portrait painting of a young woman playing a harp. The subject is depicted in a simple white dress with a red sash, sitting on a blue cushion. The painting is a prime example of French Neoclassical portraiture, where the artist skillfully conveys the grace and elegance of the subject, highlighting her refined taste and musical talent. The harp, a prominent feature of the composition, symbolizes the arts and culture of the period. Boilly, a renowned portraitist of his time, was known for his ability to capture the individual personalities of his sitters.