Chardin, Jean-Baptiste Simeon – Le jeune homme au violon-young man with violin. Charles Theodose Godefroy, elder son of the jeweller Charles Godefroy Oil on canvas, 67, 5 x 74, 5 cm R.F.1706 Part 1 Louvre

Here we observe a portrait of a young man engaged in musical practice. He is positioned at a slight angle to the viewer, his gaze directed outwards with a contemplative expression. The subject holds a violin and bow, poised as if mid-performance or deeply absorbed in rehearsal. His attire suggests a position within the upper echelons of society; he wears a well-tailored coat with numerous buttons, complemented by a meticulously styled powdered wig tied at the nape with a ribbon.
The composition is carefully structured to highlight both the subject’s status and his artistic pursuit. The violin itself becomes a focal point, its rich amber tones contrasting with the cool grey of his coat. A glimpse of sheet music rests on an easel behind him, reinforcing the theme of musical dedication. The red fabric draped over what appears to be a chair or bench provides a vibrant counterpoint to the muted palette dominating the rest of the scene.
The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating the young man’s face and hands while leaving portions of the background in shadow. This creates an intimate atmosphere, drawing attention to his features and emphasizing the quiet intensity of his concentration. The artist has rendered the textures with considerable skill – the sheen of the wig, the delicate folds of the shirt cuffs, the polished surface of the violin – all contributing to a sense of realism and tactile presence.
Subtleties within the painting suggest more than just a straightforward depiction of a young musician. The slightly melancholic cast of his expression hints at an underlying complexity; he is not merely presenting himself as accomplished but perhaps also revealing a deeper emotional engagement with his art. The inclusion of the sheet music, partially obscured, could be interpreted as a symbol of the ongoing process of learning and refinement – a suggestion that mastery requires constant effort. Ultimately, the work conveys a sense of quiet dignity and understated elegance, characteristic of portraiture from this period.