The Children of Edward 1831

Paul Delaroche painted "The Children of Edward" with oils on canvas. The careful application of thin glazes gives the painting a subtle, almost melancholic atmosphere. Delaroche meticulously layers colours to create the textures of the royal children's garments, and the rich sheen of the bed hangings. He pays particular attention to the tactile qualities of the scene, and invites the viewer to imagine the soft fabrics and cool metal of the children's surroundings. The making of oil paintings like this relies on skilled labor: from grinding pigments to weaving canvas. While Delaroche was celebrated as an academic painter, his emphasis on material realism and the illusion of texture align his work with the concerns of craft. Thinking about the materiality and making of "The Children of Edward" allows us to consider its broader significance, challenging any strict separation between fine art and skilled artisanship.