Portrait of a Child

An unidentified child, richly dressed, appears in this portrait from around 1751 at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. Drouais"s child portraits were among the most sought-after productions of French eighteenth-century painting, their combination of naturalistic charm and decorative elegance making them perennial favorites. The Bowes Museum"s French paintings form one of the strongest collections outside France. Drouais was among the most successful portraitists of pre-Revolutionary France, working in the tradition of his father Hubert Drouais and studying under Carle van Loo, Natoire, and Boucher before establishing himself at court.

The child"s portrait shows Drouais"s softer, more sympathetic approach to young sitters, with the gentle handling of features and the naturalistic rendering of childish expressions. The rich costume provides decorative interest and indicates the family"s wealth. The palette is warm and gentle, with the soft flesh tones and bright fabrics creating a pleasing color harmony. The background is characteristically neutral, focusing attention on the child.