Childhood

Artist: Judith Leyster

Title: Young Flute Player

This piece is much like the Self-Portrait she did. She painted this of a young boy playing his flute. In the background of this painting their is also a violin. Music is an enjoyable part of childhood for this child. This child's gaze is off into the distance; to me it seems as if music makes him happy. His gaze shows that he is playing for fun and is truly into what he is creating. The gaze to me gives of a sense of enjoyment and carelessness. This child wants to be nowhere and have no cares, just enjoy the music he is making. This is done like the Self Portrait Judith Leyster did of herself; in that painting she depicts herself doing what she loves. Where as in this painting the child seems to truly be enjoying what he is doing. The lightness of the colors in this picture gives off a sense of enjoyment as well. This depicts the fun in childhood. This stood out to me because it is meant to be a portrait of the boy, but also like an action/performance picture. She captured this in a way o show the boys enjoyment of playing this instrument and others. He is musically inclined and yet Judith was able to portray enjoyment, music, happiness, etc. in one painting.