Artwork
Black boy
Black boy is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Emilia Dukszyńska-Dukszta. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Emilia Dukszyńska-Duksta’s oil painting titled *Black Boy* was completed in 1892. The work is part of the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw, where it is displayed as an example of late‑19th‑century portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas depicts a young boy of African descent, shown in three‑quarter profile looking to the left. He wears a red cap with a blue stripe and a matching red shirt, and a gold earring adorns his left ear. His neutral expression and simple attire suggest a straightforward, observational approach rather than an overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a light‑toned background that isolates the figure and emphasizes his dark complexion. The brushwork is smooth, allowing subtle modeling of the boy’s facial features and the sheen of the earring, while the limited palette of reds, blues and gold creates a restrained yet vivid composition.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in 1892, *Black Boy* has remained in Poland, eventually entering the holdings of the National Museum in Warsaw. The artist’s signature appears in the lower‑left corner, confirming authorship and providing a clear point of reference for the work’s provenance.
Artist & collection
Artist
Emilia Dukszyńska-Dukszta (1837–1898) was an artist, born in Saint Petersburg.
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