Artwork

Reading Boy

Reading Boy, by Per Krafft the Elder, oil, 1758
Reading Boy, by Per Krafft the Elder, oil, 1758

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

Portrait of Per Krafft the Elder

Artist

Per Krafft the Elder

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.

Nationalmuseum

Museum

Nationalmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Nationalmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.