The Smile
1846
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1846
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This print shows seven kids in a small, dim room. Some are sitting on a bench, others on the floor or a stool. A few hold books or papers, and one boy leans on a small table. The lighting is soft, with one boy’s face lit up like a spotlight. Their clothes look simple and worn. Notice how the artist uses light and shadow to make the kids’ faces stand out. It’s like they’re the only thing that matters in the room. Check out how this play with light and dark works—it’s called chiaroscuro.
