Artwork
The Smile
The Smile is a print by the Romanticist artist Charles William Sharpe. It dates from 1846 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Smile is a print created by Charles William Sharpe in 1846, reproducing a painting by Thomas Webster from 1842.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a group of seven children in a dimly lit, cramped space, with some seated on a bench or floor and others holding books or papers. The scene focuses on the children's faces, which are highlighted through the use of light.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to draw attention to the children's faces, creating a sense of intimacy and emphasizing their expressions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Sharpe loved a good crowd—he sketched them on the sly, turning nosy commuters and gossiping neighbors into tiny, laughing characters in his prints.
The Boat Trip: Heritage of the Cart (The Children with the Cart)
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Attends... j'te vas en donner... du maitre d'école
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