Portrait of a Young Boy 1636 - 1671

Sebastien Bourdon rendered this portrait of a young boy with oil on canvas, sometime in the 17th century. Bourdon's mastery lies not only in capturing the boy's likeness but also in his manipulation of the oil paint itself. Look at how the subtle gradations of light across the boy's face create a luminous effect, achieved through thin glazes of pigment. The layered application speaks to the labor-intensive process of oil painting. Each layer had to be carefully applied and left to dry before the next, a testament to the time and skill required. Consider, too, the availability and cost of materials during this period. The pigments used would have been derived from various sources, some more precious than others, reflecting the social status of both the artist and his sitter. Paying attention to materials and making allows us to appreciate Bourdon's artistry, and the social conditions in which he lived.