Louis Robert as a Child 1844

Curator: Immediately, I see a certain haunting fragility. The eyes meet mine with surprising solemnity for such a small figure. Editor: And a dapper figure he is! We are looking at "Louis Robert as a Child," painted by Camille Corot in 1844 using oil paints. Corot, though best known for his landscapes, sometimes painted portraits, and this is a fine example from his Romantic period. Notice the dark tones and almost naive, yet expressive brushwork? Curator: Naive but knowing. That gaze is intense. There's a miniature air of authority... It’s the tiny riding crop in his hand, I think. Almost comical, but unsettling at the same time. The blue of the dress is so flat, so absolute. Editor: It's a peculiar color choice, isn't it? A bold block against the muted background, typical of the period’s penchant for symbolism in portraits, even those of children. In this time the artist and his subject's family were thinking about the subject’s virtues, ambitions and social position to transmit in that representation. It serves to frame him and amplify his presence. This kid isn't just some cute tot in blue; he *is* the blue itself – steadfast and... determined? Curator: Steadfast works! It's as though he already understands the weight of expectation. I imagine his parents proudly hanging it in their salon. This tiny, slightly melancholic general... ruling his nursery kingdom. Or a miniature adult trapped in a child’s body, perhaps. He looks burdened and I'm unsure if this feeling has something to do with current romantic trends... Editor: A social expectation, no doubt. Childhood portraiture in the 19th century wasn't just about capturing likeness; it was about molding identity. The display of social rank, status, heritage... it all fed into this child's very selfhood in ways we can only speculate on now. It is amazing what a painted image of a child can reveal when time washes through the canvas. Curator: It really is! I won’t easily forget those eyes. Editor: And the fact that an iconic artist like Corot spent some time painting kids instead of his popular landscapes! Food for thought.