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A Girl with a Kitten
Pastel on paper laid on canvas, 59.1 x 49.8 cm, probably by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, 1743
The National Gallery, London
 

A portrait of a young girl in the Rococo style, characterised by its lightness, elegance, and playful themes. She is dressed in a blue gown with floral detailing and holds a kitten in her arms, positioned in front of her chest. A cat appearing in portraits of children may sometimes represent the untamed aspects of nature encroaching on the purity of childhood. The girl's light blue ribbon ties around her neck, and her hair is styled with a small floral accent. The background is a soft, muted blue, providing a contrast to the vibrant blue of her dress. Her expression is composed, with a slight gaze to the side, creating a quiet, serene atmosphere. Although the portrait is signed by Perronneau, doubts have been raised due to some aspects of its quality not aligning with his work from this period.