The son Göran, 3 months, discovers the light flame for the first time Hanna Pauli (1864-1940)

The painting presents a young child lying on what appears to be bedding. The subjects gaze is directed outward, seemingly fixed on something beyond the frame; their eyes are strikingly blue and hold a certain intensity. A soft light illuminates the face, highlighting the delicate features of infancy – the rounded cheeks, the slightly parted lips, and the downy texture of the hair.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the bedding, which appears almost abstract with its swirling patterns of white and grey. The childs clothing consists of a red garment, rendered with broad strokes that suggest both warmth and a degree of formality. This color contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the background, drawing immediate attention to the central figure.
The composition is intimate and focused; there’s little in the way of surrounding context or narrative detail. The childs posture suggests vulnerability and dependence, while their direct gaze implies curiosity and nascent awareness. The title indicates a moment of discovery – discovering the light flame for the first time – which adds another layer to the interpretation. This could be understood metaphorically as an awakening to knowledge, beauty, or perhaps even life itself.
The painting evokes themes of innocence, wonder, and the fragility of early childhood. The artist seems less interested in precise representation than in capturing a fleeting moment of emotional resonance – the quiet intensity of a child encountering something new. There’s a sense of profound stillness and contemplation within this small scene, hinting at the vastness of experience awaiting the subject.