Artwork
Portret de băiat
Portret de băiat is a print by Jean Alexandru Steriadi. It dates from 1928 and is held in the collection of the Art Museum of Constanta.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1928, this work by Romanian painter Jean Alexandru Steriadi depicts a young boy in a simple, light‑toned setting. The composition centers on the child's face, rendered with a neutral expression, while his dark hair and modest attire—white shirt beneath a dark jacket—are highlighted against a pale background.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents an intimate study of youth, focusing on the sitter’s demeanor rather than narrative detail. By emphasizing the boy’s calm gaze and unadorned clothing, Steriadi invites contemplation of everyday innocence and the quiet presence of the individual within a broader social context.
Technique & Style
Steriadi employs thick, impasto brushstrokes that give texture to the hair and fabric, creating a tactile surface that contrasts with the smoother, lighter background. The palette is restrained, relying on muted darks and whites, while the handling of paint underscores the physicality of the figure without resorting to elaborate detail.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display. Its acquisition date is not recorded in the available sources, but the work has been attributed to the late 1920s, a period when Steriadi was actively producing portraiture alongside his landscape oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Alexandru Steriadi was a Romanian painter and drawing artist. He made portraits and compositions based on a strong, expressive drawing; then he evolved towards impressionistic influenced landscapes in which the…
