The Little Schoolmistress
1740 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This intimate genre scene depicts a young girl acting as a tutor for an even younger child, captured in oil on canvas. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Did you know?
Chardin was celebrated in the 18th century for his ability to find profound beauty and dignity in the quiet, everyday lives of the French middle class. This particular work exemplifies his mastery of composition, where he uses simple domestic tasks to explore themes of patience and development. The painting captures the gentle concentration of the tutor, reflecting the Enlightenment era's growing interest in childhood and education.
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The Little Schoolmistress
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, 1740
