The charming works are excellent examples of child portraiture, painted during the first quarter of the 18th century, in France. During this period youngsters were dressed in the same fashion as adults and in portraiture they were also depicted in the same poses as adults. The attire seen here refers to nobility. One gentleman is wearing a red coat with the typical striking wide cuffs, large ornamental and expensive gold buttons, and rich galloon braiding. The cravat is made of fine muslin which was a development from the earlier lace. The hand tucked into the coat and the cocked hat with gold edging and exotic ostrich feathers placed under his arm, was a common pose for a gentlemanly demeanour and a gesture of proper social etiquette in portraits at the time. Generally dark in colour, tricornes were often edged with a gold braided trim after about 1675. The tricorne hat emerged as the most fashionable hat for men in the late 17th century and most of the 18th century. The other...