Charles Fréchou (1820-1900) Portrait Of A Child With A Cat

Charles FRÉCHOU
(Paris 1820 – Paris 1900)
Portrait of a child with a cat
Oil on canvas
H. 41 cm; L. 33 cm
Signed lower left and dated 1849

Apart from participation in the Salon between 1841 and 1888, very few elements of his life have come down to us. The booklets of these same salons tell us that he was a pupil of the Adan family, Hippolyte the father and Louis-Emile the son. His achievements seem to focus on the art of portraiture and some still lifes of which the art market has given a glimpse of a sample. Our portrait, which he produced at the age of 29, is still imbued with the full Louis-Philippe style from which France has just escaped.

This little boy, around 5 years old, is dressed in a tartan tunic, which could indicate a Scottish model? Simple supposition which does not bring us any identification. The almost languid posture and the cat on the child's lap are complemented by an unusual background. The bench and its beautiful green silk cushions seem to be seriously disturbed, as if caught in the act of a battle with the cat… Not very academic for a performance at this period!