The artwork entitled “Portrait of a Boy (Jean Pascalis)” is a creation by the esteemed artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, dated to 1916. Painted using oil on canvas, this piece is a manifestation of the Impressionism movement. It measures 48.5 x 37.5 cm and is classified under the portrait genre. Currently, the artwork resides within a private collection.
The artwork captures the tender visage of a young boy, whose expression bears a hint of pensiveness as he gazes directly at the viewer. Renoir’s signature loose and vibrant brushwork conveys a sense of vitality and immediacy. The boy’s facial features are rendered with soft, rosy hues that contrast with the darker, more richly colored garment adorned with a white collar. The background is a harmonious blend of warm, ambiguous tones, which seem to envelope the subject in a gentle, luminous atmosphere typical of Renoir’s approach to portraiture. The delicate play of light and color accentuates the youthfulness and gentle demeanor of the boy, while also showcasing the artist’s renowned skill in capturing the human essence with empathy and painterly finesse.
