The artwork entitled “Gavroche at 11 years old,” created by Victor Hugo in 1850, belongs to the Symbolism art movement and falls under the genre of literary painting. It is a vivid depiction that showcases Hugo’s skill not only as a writer but also as an artist.
In the artwork, a youthful character, Gavroche, is presented with an exuberant and somewhat chaotic hairstyle, indicative of his lively and rebellious nature, a character from Hugo’s renowned literary work “Les Misérables.” The simplicity of the lines and the fluidity of the ink give a raw yet expressive quality to the portrait. The use of ink wash techniques creates a strong contrast, emphasizing Gavroche’s mischievous smile and sense of defiance. This artistic portrayal captures the essence of the character through minimalistic yet poignant illustration, demonstrating Hugo’s ability to convey deep emotions and character traits with remarkable efficiency. The handwritten inscription at the bottom further personalizes the piece, anchoring it firmly in the literary context and underscoring Hugo’s dual mastery of words and visual art.
