Portrait of a Child (After Peter Paul Rubens' Portret van een kind)
Drawing on paper, likely a print or study after a known masterwork • After Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577–1640); often associated with his son Nicolas Rubens
Style & Movement
Baroque (Original style), Academic Realism (Execution style)
Medium & Technique
Black and red chalk (trois crayons style) or lithographic reproduction on paper; employs fine hatching and stippling
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (reproduction/study)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8x10 inches; Portrait/Vertical format
Subject Description
A three-quarter view portrait of a young child looking downward. The child has soft, wavy blonde/light hair and wears a simple bead/coral necklace. The composition focuses on the innocence and physiological accuracy of early childhood.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing signs of aging consistent with a vintage print or drawing
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; lack of visible stamps suggests a decorative or academic origin rather than a museum-deaccessioned piece
Art Historical Significance
Based on one of the most famous child portraits in Western art history. Rubens' studies of his own children (specifically Nicolas) set the standard for the 'innocent' child portrait, moving away from the 'miniature adult' depictions of the Renaissance.
Notable Features
Includes a visible signature in the lower right (appearing to read 'Rubens' in facsimile); housed in a late 20th-century gold-leaf style wooden frame
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing or foxing of the paper consistent with age; possible fading from light exposure; minor abrasions to the gilt frame
Conservation Recommendations
Mount with acid-free matting under UV-protective glass; avoid direct sunlight; keep in a climate-controlled environment to prevent further paper oxidation