Of the paintings from Zimmerli Museum that I may write about, I choose the one of the little boy. In my paper, I will verbally explore every aspect of this portrait.

The focus of this painting is a young child, roughly 10-11 years in age. He is dressed solemnly in a cream-colored t-shirt layered with a grayish-green button-down, collared shirt, matched in color to his pants, along with a simple brown belt. He is a brunette with big brown doe eyes, and the dark, inky color of his hair and eyes sets off the rather paleness of his skin. His eyes are very prominent and immediately grab your attention, while his thin rose colored lips seem to disappear into a thin line as one stares into the holes of his eyes. His ears seem to be on the larger side for a boy his size, suggesting an extra sense of hearing and understanding. Slouched on a brown, most likely wooden, chair, he stares deeply past the viewer. He relaxes very comfortably in the chair, comforted by the closeness of his shadow.

As one looks into his eyes, you can tell he is seeing far away. Hopeful is a word that could be used to describe the emotion one can feel from his eyes. It is if he is waiting for something or someone. His laid-back posture suggests that he has been waiting a very long time, and since there is no hurry in his demeanor, one senses that he will continue to be waiting a long time. Despite his young age, the boy radiates patience, with no signs of worry or distress. One can imagine that this young child has led a very pleasant, happy life. However, one can also presume that he has spent a majority of his life waiting. This boy appears to see the best in every person or situation he is in, leading him to never be let down. Perhaps, his optimism is why the boy will continue to wait.

The wall behind him, against which he leans comfortably, is swirled with numerous, neutral colors. The walls themselves somehow manage to relax the viewer, and allow the boy to pop out from the background. Although the painting is two-dimensional, through the pattern in the wall and his shadows, you can feel that his shoulders are hunched over with real-life depth, reminding us that he has been in this same position previously, and probably often. The entire painting is done with neutral colors, those one can easily find in nature, suggesting the simplicity in this child’s life.

The image of the boy conveys a feeling of expectance. Slumped comfortably in the chair, he retains a feeling of optimism on his face. He seems encouraged, waiting patiently for something or someone, and doesn’t seem in the least bit angry or anxious. One can feel his calmness and any viewers would have a desire to pat the kid on the back. Staring into his eyes, one immediately wants to help this child in anyway possible during his vigil.