Children Playing Cards. Workshop Of The Le Nain Brothers (17th Century)

Workshop of the Le Nain Brothers (17th Century)
France, circa 1640–1645

Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 54 × 45 cm (canvas) — 74 × 65 cm (with frame)
Frame: Presented in a rare and exquisite 17th-century French carved and gilded wood frame, featuring the elegant “Coins Fleuris” design.

This intimate genre scene captures four children gathered in a rustic village setting, deeply engaged in a card game. One child stands and observes, two sit on the ground in animated discussion, while the fourth, perched on a stone, prepares to reveal his card. Their modest yet finely rendered attire reflects the popular fashion of 17th-century France, grounding the composition in its social and historical context.

The painting’s quiet atmosphere and muted palette evoke the style of Mathieu Le Nain, particularly his Children with Birdcage and Cat (circa 1640–1645), housed in the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe. Like many works attributed to the Le Nain brothers, this piece eschews idealization, instead portraying childhood with solemn dignity and psychological depth.

The architectural backdrop—a woman at a well, a cloudy sky, and soft lighting—enhances the contemplative mood, characteristic of mid-17th-century French painting. The expressive faces and subtle interactions suggest a nuanced understanding of human emotion, aligning with the Le Nain tradition of social realism.

With its understated composition and focus on everyday life, this painting stands as a compelling example of the Le Nain brothers’ dedication to portraying the lives of ordinary people. Its excellent state of preservation and period frame further underscore its historical and artistic value.

Condition: Very good
Documentation: Sold with certificate of expertise