Makaava lapsi, luonnos maalaukseen Jouluaamu (1888)

Albert Edelfelt’s exquisite sketch, “Makaava lapsi, luonnos maalaukseen Jouluaamu” (1888), captures a tender and serene moment of a sleeping child. The masterful strokes of this preliminary sketch reveal a deep understanding and appreciation of the subtle play of light and shadow, depicting the innocence and tranquility of childhood rest.Created as a study for his painting “Jouluaamu” (Christmas Morning), this piece showcases Edelfelt’s deft handling of muted tones and swift, impressionistic brushwork. The child is portrayed with a soft delicacy; the brush strokes in variations of pinks, whites, and faint blues suggest warmth and the softness of the fabrics surrounding the child. The unfinished edges of the canvas contribute to the ethereal, dream-like quality of the scene, emphasizing a sense of intimacy and immediacy.This sketch not only highlights Edelfelt's skill as a draftsman and painter but also provides us with a glimpse into the preparatory stages of his artistic process, where each brush stroke is imbued with potential and care. The painting invites viewers to a moment of quiet reflection, reminding us of the peaceful slumbers of our own childhood or those we’ve witnessed in others, echoing a universal resonance that transcends time and place.“Makaava lapsi, luonnos maalaukseen Jouluaamu” stands not only as a documentation of artistic development but as a standalone piece, offering a moment of tranquility and evoking a sense of gentle nostalgia.