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This prism of childhood is a central theme in his painting. In the age of
the philosophers, the artist calls for meditation on the place of a child at the
heart of his family in 18th-century society, the responsibility of parents in his
development, and the importance of education in building his personality.
He follows this evolution up to the birth of love and, using the codes of his
time, goes so far as to address the fundamental theme of consent, which is still
strikingly relevant today. In 1805, Greuze died, ruined by the Revolution.
A street in the 16th arrondissement has borne his name since 1864, and in
1868, a statue was erected in his honor on the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville in
Tournus.
Little known today, he was once acclaimed by the public, courted
by collectors, and adored by critics, particularly by Diderot.
A truly singular artist, his rebellious spirit reaffirmed
his freedom to create outside of convention.
Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Head of a Young Girl, circa 1773.
Red chalk, 31 × 25.5 cm.
Private collection of Richard Mansell-Jones, London.
© Photo: Courtesy Mansell-Jones Collection, 2024