André Henri Dargelas
When I saw this painting for the first time, I thought that it could have inspired Miley Cyrus on her Wrecking Ball!
Born in Bordeaux in 1828, André Henri Dargelas was a genre painter. He embarked on his artistic journey to Paris as a young man, and in 1854, he gained admission to the École des Beaux-Arts. Later in his career, Dargelas established himself in the tranquil art enclave of Écouen, located 12 miles (20 kilometres) from Paris. In this idyllic setting, he developed his distinct style, producing charming interior scenes and lifelike depictions of figures, particularly children. Dargelas painted his subjects in various everyday situations, from the classroom to the family dining table. These works catapulted him to fame, as he chose not only to romanticize rural life but to capture its fleeting moments. His art found a receptive audience among the emerging bourgeoisie, securing artistic acclaim and commercial success.
I wonder if Dargelas saw a boy swinging on a globe, or did he invent this marvelous scene; maybe he was dreaming of doing so when he was a boy?
P.S. The boys from the painting are studying hard during their free time, obviously (while not swinging on a globe). If you would like to study something as well, we recommend our DailyArt online courses!
P.P.S. Let’s see how painters from various countries depicted the themes of school and learning!