Artwork
Reading Boy

Reading Boy is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Per Krafft the Elder. It dates from 1758 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Reading Boy is an oil painting created by Per Krafft the Elder in 1758. It is a representative work of the Rococo style, known for its light and decorative qualities.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a boy absorbed in reading, seated at a wooden table. His formal yet relaxed attire and hairstyle suggest a comfortable setting. The boy's focused expression is the central element of the composition.
Technique & Style
Krafft employed warm colors and soft lighting to create a cozy atmosphere, emphasizing the boy's quiet contemplation. The use of oil paint allowed for a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the subject.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Nationalmuseum's collection. Per Krafft the Elder, the artist, was a Swedish portraitist and the father of artists Per Krafft the Younger and Wilhelmina Krafft.
Artist & collection
Artist
Per Krafft the Elder (16 January 1724 – 7 November 1793) was a Swedish portraitist. He was the father of the artists Per Krafft the Younger and Wilhelmina Krafft.















