European school (XIX) - L'Enfant en Prière (The Infant Samuel)

The Infant Samuel – European School of the 19th Century

Description of the work:
Oil on wood panel (or parquet panel) depicting a young child with hands joined, looking up to the sky in an attitude of fervent devotion. This classic composition, imbued with softness and serenity, is inspired by the famous iconography of 'Samuel in prayer.'
The light treatment focuses on the child's face and hands, creating a striking contrast with the dark background and the bed curtains. Notable are the fine details, such as the curls of the red hair and the delicacy of the lace on the shirt.

Context and Style
This work is part of the tradition of portraits of domestic devotion that were very popular in the 19th century. The style recalls the famous compositions of Sir Joshua Reynolds or the English school, whose engravings circulated widely throughout Europe, inspiring many talented painters.

The presence of a jug (vase) on the side and the armchair in the foreground anchor the scene in a classic bourgeois interior, reinforcing the 'old house' charm of the object.

Technical Data Sheet for the advertisement
Subject: Childhood devotion scene / Child portrait.
19th century
Technique: Oil on wood panel. The back of the panel shows an assembly of authentic old wood (see photos of the back).
Dimensions: approximately 52.5 x 43 cm

Condition of preservation
Painting: Good overall condition. Presence of a beautiful network of age-related craquelures that attest to its antiquity. Some minor surface wear normal for its age.
Frame: Beautiful solid wood frame of original craftsmanship, simple and elegant, perfectly highlighting the artwork.

Provenance: Private collection.