Portrait of a Young ChildMade in United States, North and Central America
Artist/maker unknown, American
Oil on canvas
Currently not on view
1980-64-7Gift of the estate of Edgar W. and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1980
LabelPortraits of children became more popular during the first half of the nineteenth century, reflecting changing attitudes toward childhood. Because of high child mortality rates, many of the portraits were painted posthumously. Whether this example falls into that category is unknown as it contains none of the usual visual clues, such as drooping roses, morning glories, or boats sailing off into the distance. Because children of this period dressed alike until about the age of six, it is only the hairstyle-with its side part and little flip in the back-that identifies the subject as a boy.