The artwork, named “Elsie Leslie Lyde as Little Lord Fauntleroy,” was created by the artist William Merritt Chase in 1889. This piece is rendered in oil on canvas, measuring 100.3 x 175.9 cm, and belongs to the Impressionism art movement. It is a portrait and is presently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a young child standing poised with an air of elegance, draped in period attire that includes a dark, velvety costume enhanced with lace and a vivid red sash. The child’s face is illuminated, drawing attention to the delicate features and expressive eyes, framed by a voluminous hat. The background, rich with deep colors and textured brush strokes, provides a dramatic contrast to the child’s illuminated visage and red sash. The use of light and shadow, hallmarks of the Impressionist movement, brings a sense of depth and three-dimensionality to the composition. The careful detailing of the costume enhances the portrait’s historical and cultural context, while the child’s posture and comprehensive attire suggest an aristocratic or theatrical influence. Overall, the artwork captures a blend of sophistication and innocence, resonating with the charm and theatrical grandeur associated with the character of Little Lord Fauntleroy.
