Study of a Young Boy's Head
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-491-11
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Antoine Watteau’s “Study of a Young Boy’s Head” captures a quiet, tender moment that contrasts with the artist’s more famous scenes of elegant gatherings. A leading figure of the early Rococo movement, Wat was celebrated for his light touch and ability to convey fleeting expressions and emotions. This intimate study reveals the same sensitivity on a smaller scale, focusing on the soft features and thoughtful gaze of a child. Dated 1734 and classified as a print in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection, the work was acquired through the museum’s Advisory Council. Though research on ...