The Chocolate Girl (Das Schokomädchen)
Reproduction print (after original pastel) on paper • Jean-Étienne Liotard (after the original)
Style & Movement
Rococo / 18th-century European Portraiture (original style)
Medium & Technique
Mechanical print (likely chromolithograph or offset lithograph) mimicking the original pastel technique
Creation Period
Late 19th to mid-20th century (reproduction)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches (visible area); vertical portrait format within a wide wood frame.
Subject Description
A serving maid in profile carrying a lacquer tray with a porcelain cup of hot chocolate and a glass of water. It is an iconic example of 18th-century genre painting emphasizing domestic elegance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. The print shows signs of consistent aging and possible light-induced fading.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; appears to be a decorative private acquisition. No prominent labels visible.
Art Historical Significance
The original 1744 pastel is one of Liotard's most famous works, heralded as a masterpiece for its incredible realism and treatment of light. This reproduction reflects the work's enduring popularity in middle-class domestic decor.
Notable Features
Housed in a distinctive, wide-grain heavy oak or ash frame that likely dates from the early-to-mid 20th century, suggesting it was once a centerpiece of a traditional interior.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing of the paper (acidification), potential fading of pigments due to UV exposure, and minor undulations in the paper support within the frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading.