Young Girl Holding a Pot of Hyacinths

Jean-Etienne Liotard (1702-1789), pastel on vellum, c. 1750-1755

It is difficult to be certain whether this pastel was intended as a portrait or a genre piece. In Liotard’s family it was known as a portrait of the Duchess of Marlborough, but that is improbable. More freely conceived than his more formal portraits, and with a softer, more melting use of pastel, it should perhaps be classified with La Liseuse as a generalised evocation of youthfulness.

  • Artwork typedrawing, pastel
  • Object numberSK-A-241
  • Dimensionsheight 67.6 cm x width 54.3 cm x thickness 3 cm, weight 5.2 kg, height 59.2 cm x width 46.2 cm
  • Physical characteristicspastel op perkament