Artwork
Portrait of a Child
Portrait of a Child is a print by the Impressionist artist Thomas George Johnson. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Thomas George Johnson’s 1887 print, titled Portrait of a Child, is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a young girl seated on a chair, her gaze directed to the right, set against a darkened backdrop that emphasizes the figure’s presence.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a girl in a white dress and headscarf, her expression neutral and posture relaxed. In front of her lies a sizeable animal hide, likely from a large cat such as a lion or tiger, its open mouth and exposed teeth adding a subtle tension to the otherwise calm scene.
Technique & Style
Johnson employs a realistic approach, rendering the textures of fabric and fur with meticulous detail. Strong contrasts of light and shadow—chiaroscuro—create depth, allowing the figure and the hide to emerge from the dark background with a three‑dimensional quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1887, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its presence in the museum’s collection reflects the institution’s broader interest in 19th‑century American printmaking and portraiture.
Artist & collection
