Swag Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
This is a beautifully executed painting of a small boy holding a sword.
It was painted in 1872 by C Buulteau. There are some small repairs.
This boy is wearing a child's dress as was a common practice in this time period.
Breeching was the occasion when a small boy was first dressed in breeches or trousers.

The main reason for keeping boys in dresses was toilet training, or the lack thereof. The change was probably made once boys had reached the age when they could easily undo the rather complicated fastenings of many early modern breeches and trousers.
Height 120cm
Width 81cm
Swag Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Decorative antiques for your home.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Swag Antiques Profile Page