Artwork
Portrait of a Child
Portrait of a Child is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Henri Lehmann. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Henri Lehmann’s early work, Portrait of a Child, dates to around 1804 and is part of the drawing collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Executed in the early nineteenth‑century French academic tradition, the piece presents a solitary young figure rendered with careful attention to facial expression and attire, offering a quiet, introspective moment captured on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a small child seated on a chair, gaze directed downward, conveying a sense of calm resignation. The downward glance and composed posture suggest an inner world of contemplation, while the detailed rendering of clothing and features underscores the artist’s interest in individual character rather than idealized youth.
Technique & Style
Lehmann employs a delicate handling of line and shading, reminiscent of the sfumato approach that softens edges to create atmospheric depth. Subtle gradations of tone model the child’s face and garments, allowing the drawing to achieve a three‑dimensional presence without overtly harsh outlines.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1804, the drawing entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the twentieth century, though specific details of its earlier ownership remain sparse. Its presence in the museum’s holdings reflects the institution’s commitment to representing early French academic portraiture.
Artist & collection
