The Blue Boy facts for kids
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The Blue Boy is a very famous oil painting by Thomas Gainsborough. He painted it around the year 1770. The painting shows a young boy dressed in a fancy 17th-century suit. Many people think the boy might be Jonathan Buttall. He was the son of a man who sold tools and other household items. This painting is quite large! It is about 48 inches (1.2 meters) wide and 70 inches (1.8 meters) tall.
The painting belonged to Jonathan Buttall for many years. After 1796, it was sold several times. In 1921, it was sold to an art dealer. Then, an American bought the painting from the dealer. This sale caused a big stir in England. Many British people were upset because they felt they were losing a national treasure. The portrait is now in the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. Another famous painting called Pinkie hangs near it.
Contents
About The Blue Boy Painting
This painting is one of the most well-known works by Thomas Gainsborough. He was a famous English painter. He lived from 1727 to 1788. Gainsborough was known for his portraits and landscapes.
Who is the Boy in the Picture?
The boy in the painting is believed to be Jonathan Buttall. His father, also named Jonathan Buttall, was a wealthy merchant. He sold hardware, like tools and metal items. The boy's clothing is from the 17th century, which was about 100 years before the painting was made. This style of dress was popular for portraits at the time.
The Painting's Journey
After Jonathan Buttall owned the painting, it changed hands many times. It was a very valuable piece of art. When it was sold to an American in 1921, it was a big deal. People in England felt sad to see such an important artwork leave their country.
Where You Can See It Now
Today, The Blue Boy is a star attraction at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This beautiful place is located in San Marino, California, in the United States. Many visitors come to see this painting and Pinkie, which is another famous portrait displayed nearby.
Images for kids
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Van Dyck's portrait of Charles II as a boy
See also
In Spanish: El joven azul para niños
