Artwork

Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul

Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul, by Jean-Antoine Laurent, unspecified, 1798
Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul, by Jean-Antoine Laurent, unspecified, 1798

Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul is an unspecified painting by the Neoclassicist artist Jean-Antoine Laurent. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

Jean-Antoine Laurent executed Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul in 1795 as a portrait miniature.

Jean-Antoine Laurent executed Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul in 1795 as a portrait miniature. This classification defines the work's formal scale and the specific handling techniques associated with the miniature genre, which typically demands precise brushwork on a small support. While the specific materials and support type are not detailed in the available records, the designation as a miniature indicates a refined, intimate approach to portraiture consistent with late 18th-century French artistic practices. The work is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

History & Provenance

The work was created in 1795 by Jean-Antoine Laurent, as a portrait miniature depicting the artist's children, Emma and Paul. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is recorded under the accession number 2012.56, indicating it was accessioned by the museum in 2012.

Overview

Jean-Antoine Laurent's painting, Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul, dates from 1798. This intimate depiction captures the artist's own children and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art. The circular canvas presents a tender scene, reflecting a common practice of artists portraying their families, offering a glimpse into domestic life at the close of the 18th century.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features two young children, Emma and Paul, seated closely together. The elder child, with curly red-gold hair, wears a white dress adorned with puffy sleeves and a blue neck ribbon. The younger sibling, with lighter hair, is dressed in a simple white garment and holds a small, indistinct object. Both children gaze directly forward, their expressions composed and serene, conveying a sense of quiet innocence.

Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul
Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul, Jean-Antoine Laurent

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul?

Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul was painted by Jean-Antoine Laurent in 1795-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul?

Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul?

Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul is associated with Neoclassicism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of the Artist's Children Emma and Paul are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.