The artwork titled “Portrait of boy” is a creation by the renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens, dating from approximately 1629 to 1630. This piece is a representation of the Baroque art movement, known for its emphasis on drama, rich detail, and grandeur. The dimensions of the artwork are modest, measuring 29 by 22 centimeters. It belongs to the genre of portrait and tronie, with the latter term referring to a kind of painting depicting an exaggerated facial expression or a character in costume.
The artwork portrays a young boy with an attentive gaze, rendered with a loose, sketch-like quality that brings forth the dynamism and emotional expressiveness characteristic of the Baroque period. Rubens’ mastery in capturing the subtleties of human expression can be observed in the details of the boy’s face, from the thoughtful eyes to the gently parted lips. Delicate chiaroscuro—the interplay between light and shadow—is evident in the boy’s features, highlighting the skilled hand of Rubens at work. The composition bears Rubens’ signature, confirming its authenticity and historical significance.
