Artwork
The Capuchin Doll
The Capuchin Doll is an oil painting by Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
The Capuchin Doll is an oil painting created by French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze around 1775. It is currently part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young blonde girl wearing a brown dress and a white headscarf with a blue stripe. She holds a doll dressed as a Capuchin monk, while her hand rests on a small wooden box. Her face is blurred, yet her upward gaze is discernible, drawing attention to her engagement with the doll.
Technique & Style
Greuze employs a dark background to contrast with and emphasize the central figure and doll, creating a sense of intimacy. The blurring of the girl's face, in contrast to the detailed doll, suggests a focus on the subject's emotional state over physical likeness.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1775, The Capuchin Doll is attributed to Jean-Baptiste Greuze, known for his diverse output in portraits, genre scenes, and history paintings. The work is now housed in the National Gallery of Ireland.
Context
This piece reflects Greuze's interest in capturing everyday life and the emotions of his subjects, common in 18th-century French genre painting. The Capuchin doll may symbolize the girl's fascination or the artist's commentary on religious or societal norms.
Legacy
As part of Greuze's oeuvre, The Capuchin Doll contributes to the broader understanding of his artistic themes and the evolution of French painting in the late 18th century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Greuze (French pronunciation: 21 August 1725 – 4 March 1805) was a French painter of portraits, genre scenes, and history painting.
