Portrait of a Young Child
Artist/maker unknown, American
Geography:
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1850Medium:
Oil on canvasDimensions:
30 1/8 x 25 1/16 inches (76.5 x 63.7 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
1980-64-7Credit Line:
Gift of the estate of Edgar W. and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1980
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1850Medium:
Oil on canvasDimensions:
30 1/8 x 25 1/16 inches (76.5 x 63.7 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1980-64-7Credit Line:
Gift of the estate of Edgar W. and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1980
Label:
Portraits of children became more popular during the first half of the nineteenth century, reflecting changing attitudes toward childhood. Because of high child mortality rates, many of the portraits were painted posthumously. Whether this example falls into that category is unknown as it contains none of the usual visual clues, such as drooping roses, morning glories, or boats sailing off into the distance. Because children of this period dressed alike until about the age of six, it is only the hairstyle-with its side part and little flip in the back-that identifies the subject as a boy.
Portraits of children became more popular during the first half of the nineteenth century, reflecting changing attitudes toward childhood. Because of high child mortality rates, many of the portraits were painted posthumously. Whether this example falls into that category is unknown as it contains none of the usual visual clues, such as drooping roses, morning glories, or boats sailing off into the distance. Because children of this period dressed alike until about the age of six, it is only the hairstyle-with its side part and little flip in the back-that identifies the subject as a boy.
