Portrait Of A Boy In A Black Waistcoat, Turned To The Right 

Jean-Baptiste Greuze painted this portrait of a boy in a black waistcoat, its date remains a mystery, a little before or after the French Revolution. Observe the gaze, directed slightly upwards; it’s a classic composition we find echoed through centuries of portraiture, meant to inspire reverence. This upward glance, however, has its roots much earlier, appearing in ancient Roman art. It can be found on the faces of Emperors portrayed as divine figures, and later adopted by Christian artists to depict saints in heavenly communion. Yet, here, in this simple portrait, the gaze evokes not divine connection but rather a sense of youthful idealism. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols, how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts. The portrait, with its knowing glance, acts as a mirror, reflecting both the artist’s era and our own.