Artwork
A Boy with a Lesson-book
A Boy with a Lesson-book is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.
About this work
Overview
A Boy with a Lesson-book is a painting created by French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze in 1800. It is an oil-on-canvas work held in the Scottish National Gallery.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young boy seated at a table, intently studying an open book. His serious expression and focused gaze convey a sense of concentration and diligence.
Technique & Style
Greuze employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to emphasize the boy's facial features, particularly around his eyes and cheeks. The dark background and subtle use of shadows draw attention to the subject.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection, and is characteristic of Greuze's genre scenes and portraits, although its style is associated with the Rococo movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Greuze (French pronunciation: , 21 August 1725 – 4 March 1805) was a French painter of portraits, genre scenes, and history painting.
