The artwork titled “Four Children With A Basket Of Fruit,” created by Angelica Kauffman, is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 74 x 61 cm. It belongs to the Neoclassicism and Rococo art movements and falls under the genre painting category. Currently held in a private collection, the piece exemplifies Kauffman’s masterful technique and her ability to capture the delicate interplay of light and emotion in her subjects.
In the artwork, four children are depicted closely gathered around a basket of fruit. The focal point is the central figure, a child with an ethereal, slightly downcast expression, clad in a white garment that gently drapes over the shoulders. The rich palette and soft lighting accentuate the naturalistic representation of the children’s innocent and serene demeanor. The basket, overflowing with grapes and accompanied by verdant foliage, is held by one of the children, while the other figures exhibit affectionate and protective gestures, highlighting a sense of camaraderie and tenderness. The overall composition and gentle brushwork reflect Kauffman’s influence from both the Neoclassical emphasis on harmony and clarity, and the Rococo’s charm and elegance.
