Octave Tassaert, (1800 Paris - 1874 Paris), The Dreaming Baby Jesus, Octave Tassaert, (1800 Paris - 1874 Paris), The Dreaming Baby Jesus

41 x 33 cm

In a wooded landscape, a small blond child in a shiny white robe lies on a red and blue sheet, placed on a wooden cross. The sleeping child, with slightly open mouth and closed eyes, appears to be dreaming. Above him hover numerous putti with small wings, looking down upon the child. However, one of them, on the upper left edge, turns to the sky, from which a beam of light falls on the child. It is only at second glance that a crown of thorns is recognizable on the lower left edge of the picture, which suggests that the sleeping baby Jesus is depicted here. The painting is done in mostly soft tones. The artist created several variations of this subject, some of which are dated 1858 and 1874.
Oil on canvas. rentoiled.
Size 41 x 33 cm.
Monogrammed lower right 'O. T."
In a gilded baroque frame.