The Crying Boy / Pleurant
Painting on canvas • Attributed to the circle of Giovanni Bragolin (Bruno Amadio), though likely a high-quality contemporary workshop copy or a piece by a similar kitsch-realist painter.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Kitsch / Figurative Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing soft glazing and wet-on-wet blending for skin tones, with visible impasto in the highlight of the tears.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A sentimental portrait of a young child with blonde hair and blue eyes, depicted with oversized, crystalline tears rolling down the cheeks. The child wears a blue jacket over a white collared shirt, set against a dark, nondescript background. The piece relies heavily on 'pathos' to evoke an emotional response from the viewer.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible minor surface grime and aging of the varnish layer.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or interior design shop in the late 20th century. This genre was mass-marketed across Europe and North America; currently in a private collection indicated by residential placement.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the mid-20th-century trend for mass-produced sentimental portraiture. While often dismissed by high-art critics, such works have a significant cult following and cultural legacy, particularly the 'Crying Boy' legend in urban folklore.
Notable Features
Features a red monogram signature in the upper right corner (partially obscured). The frame is a classic silver-toned wooden frame with a linen inner-liner, typical of 1970s gallery presentations.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the protective varnish; minor abrasions to the frame edges; potential light craquelure developing in the thicker paint applications around the face.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove dust and pollutants; display in a UV-controlled environment to prevent pigment fading; maintain stable humidity to avoid canvas tension changes.