Currently not on view
Master Charles Malton,
1790
Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1769–1830; born Bristol, England; died London, England
2014-24
This arresting portrait of an angelic two-year-old boy with a penetrating gaze and artfully tousled hair exemplifies the virtuoso draftsmanship of Lawrence at the beginning of his meteoric career. One of the leading portraitists of his generation, Lawrence competed with Sir Joshua Reynolds in his empathetic depictions of upper-class children, which reflect the increasing emphasis placed on natural development over social stature. The boy’s fashionable off-the-shoulder dress and pink sash underscore the absence of gender distinctions in children’s attire at the time. Little is known of the sitter, who apprenticed with the architect Sir John Soane.
Information
Title
Master Charles Malton
Dates
1790
Maker
Medium
Graphite, with red, brown, and black chalk, stumped, and touches of watercolor
Dimensions
29.2 x 19.4 cm (11 1/2 x 7 5/8 in.)
frame: 50.5 x 40.6 x 2.5 cm (19 7/8 x 16 x 1 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Surdna Fund
Object Number
2014-24
Inscription
in graphite, on verso upper left: Charles Malton | Lawrence
Culture
Type
Materials
Techniques
