The Child & the Kittens

Frans Joris (1851-1914)

Nationality : Belgian

Date : 2nd half 19th-century
Dimensions : 48,8 x 38,5 x 21 cm
Total Height : 57 cm
Material : White Carrara marble
Signature : “Fr. Joris ANTW.”

This marble sculpture depicts a young child holding two kittens. The child smiles with quiet joy, while the kittens rest peacefully in each arm. Together, they create a tender and heartwarming scene of innocence and affection.

Frans Joris masterfully captures a fleeting moment from childhood. The child’s face is delicately sculpted, with a natural smile and closed eyes that evoke calm and tenderness. The fine texture of the hair and blouse reveals remarkable attention to detail, enhancing the lifelike quality of the figure.

The kittens appear gently alive, their relaxed bodies nestled naturally in the child’s embrace. Their softness contrasts with the smooth polish of the marble, lending the composition both realism and poetic charm. The folds of the dress are carved with exceptional finesse, flowing naturally and subtly revealing the child’s form beneath. This balance between faithful observation and lyrical grace is characteristic of 19th-century sculpture.

The luminous surface of the white marble captures light beautifully, adding a warm glow to the ensemble. Though quiet in subject, the composition is rich in feeling and vitality.

Signed “Fr. Joris ANTW,” this work exemplifies the sculptor’s talent for transforming a simple moment into a timeless expression of joy. The Child and the Kittens stands as a gentle celebration of youth, tenderness, and the universal bond between humans and animals.