Alfred Dedreux (1810–1860) as a Child

Théodore Gericault

Created:
Movement:
1820
Romanticism
key Notes:
Youthful innocence, Romantic portraiture
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Dimensions:
18 x 15 in. (45.7 x 38.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Alfred Dedreux (1810–1860) as a Child" is a painting by French artist Théodore Géricault, created around 1819–20. The work depicts Alfred Dedreux, the son of Géricault's friend, in a tender and intimate portrayal. Géricault is known for his contributions to Romanticism and his focus on human emotion and realism. The painting showcases Géricault's skill in capturing the innocence of childhood through expressive brushwork and a soft color palette. The exact circumstances surrounding the commission or creation of this work are not well-documented. The painting is part of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, France. Géricault's early works, including this painting, reflect his interest in portraiture and the human condition.

Description of the work:

"Alfred Dedreux (1810–1860) as a Child" by Théodore Géricault is an oil on canvas painting created circa 1819–20. The work features a young boy, Alfred Dedreux, depicted in a seated position. The child is dressed in a white shirt with a blue sash, which contrasts with the darker background. Géricault employs a soft, naturalistic palette, emphasizing the delicate features of the child's face. The lighting is warm and highlights the boy's expressive eyes, conveying a sense of innocence and curiosity. The composition is intimate, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject's gaze and posture. The brushwork is fluid, contributing to the overall sense of realism in the portrayal. The painting exemplifies Géricault's early mastery of capturing human emotion and character.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Alfred Dedreux (1810–1860) as a Child