Large 18th Century Charcoal Drawing Showing Two Young Boys At Their Game.

A large and delicate charcoal drawing with white highlights, depicting two young boys posing earnestly with their toys against a landscape background. One, the taller and older boy, holds a kite; the other appears ready to push his hoop forward with a stick. This is undoubtedly a portrait of two brothers, as well as an intimate genre scene from the late 18th century, a time when children—and not just those of royal or noble lineage—began to be recognized by the adult world and thus became worthy of representation. The drawing is presented in its original black and gold Louis XVI frame with its antique glass. There are two tears in the paper and some minor nicks to the edge of the frame. Interior dimensions: 49.6 cm x 36.4 cm. Exterior dimensions: 65.4 cm x 51.5 cm.