Portrait of a Little Boy
- Original dimensions
- 71 x 115 cm
- Museum
- Museum Villa Mondriaan
- Year
- 1896
Scene depicted
This masterpiece features a young boy, both dreamy and curious, whose gaze rises towards the horizon with palpable softness. The composition revolves around his pure face, illuminated by natural light, while delicate shades envelop the child and accentuate the tenderness of this moment stolen from time.
Historical context
Year: 1896 |BRK| Museum: Museum Villa Mondriaan |BRK| Dimensions: 71 x 115 cm
Place in the artist's career
“Portrait d'un petit garçon” is situated at a turning point in Mondrian's career. Recognizable by its angular style and colorful stridencies, this painting offers a significant contrast to his future canvases , such as “Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow” and “The Boogie Woogie.” This highlights his revolutionary evolution, moving from an emotion-laden realism to pure abstractions.
Anecdote
“Every portrait has a soul, a breath of existence,” said Mondrian. Inspired by the gentle glimmers of a spring morning, he captured the innocent gaze of a small boy, illustrating the simplicity and depth of childhood. This moment, in a quiet alley bathed in light, reveals the evocative power of the painting and engages the viewer.