The artwork entitled “Portrait of an Infant” was created by the renowned artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1881. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece measures 37 x 37.32 cm and is currently held in a private collection. As a representation of the portrait genre, this work of art is a quintessential example of the Impressionism art movement, notable for its vibrant brushwork and emphasis on the depiction of light in its changing qualities.
The artwork portrays a young child with a gentle, inquisitive expression. The use of delicate brushstrokes captures the soft texture of the infant’s skin and the wispy nature of the hair, imbuing the figure with a sense of life and immediacy characteristic of Renoir’s style. Light seems to caress the child’s face and shoulders, highlighting the features with warm tones, while the background remains indistinct, enveloping the subject in a hazy ambiance. The masterful application of light and color, as well as the intimate and tender representation of the subject, embodies the impressionistic focus on capturing the ephemeral moments of life.
