Laughing Boy - Item #792

 

13 Inches High x 11.5 Inches Wide x 6 Inches Deep

A wonderful piece by sculptor Desiderio da Settignano (c.1429-1464) who was a master at portraying the faces of women and children. As in Desiderio's other works, the realness of the child's hair is astounding. Even more unique than depicting children, is that here he portrays a child laughing. Desiderio has captured a moment in time. The boy perhaps turns towards the source of the humor and his open mouth creates lifted, round cheeks. The joy is apparent. 

 

Artist: Desiderio da Settignano

Museum: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria

Time Period: Renaissance, c. 1460-1464

1911 Catalog ID # - 5162

 

Sources:

"Laughing Boy." Web Gallery of Art, https://www.wga.hu/html_m/d/desideri/child1.html.