Artwork
The Capricious Child (L’enfant capricieux)
The Capricious Child (L’enfant capricieux) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Marguerite Gérard. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute.
About this work
Overview
The Capricious Child (L’enfant capricieux) is a 1804 oil painting by French artist Marguerite Gérard, known for her genre scenes in the Rococo style. The work is part of the Clark Art Institute's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a domestic scene featuring a mother, a toddler, and a wet nurse. The figures are arranged intimately, with the mother observing the child with a mix of emotions, conveying a sense of everyday family life.
Technique & Style
Gérard employs chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, drawing the viewer's attention to the figures. The contrast between light and dark areas emphasizes the quiet, intimate atmosphere of the scene.
History & Provenance
Marguerite Gérard was trained by her brother-in-law, prominent Rococo artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The painting reflects her skill in capturing domestic scenes, characteristic of her body of work.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Marguerite Gérard (French pronunciation: ; 28 January 1761 in Grasse – 18 May 1837 in Paris) was a French painter and printmaker working in the Rococo style.
Rest
The Present
Young Mother Gazing at Her Child
Charity
The Golden Age
A Rich Lady Visits a Poor Family
The Greek Poet Sappho and the Girl from Mytilene
Mother and Child
A Domestic Scene
Das kranke Kind
The Greek Poet Sappho and the Girl from Mytilene
The Marquise de Pezay, and the Marquise de Rougé with Her Sons Alexis and Adrien