In Portrait of a Child, Édouard Manet depicts a young child with soft features and a gentle expression. The color palette is warm, with soft pastels that enhance the innocence of the subject. The background is simple, allowing the viewer to focus on the child's face and attire.

The overall composition conveys a sense of tenderness and youthfulness. This painting is executed in oil on canvas, a medium that allows for rich color and texture. Manet's brushwork is loose yet deliberate, creating a lifelike representation of the child. The dimensions are approximately 60 x 80 cm, making it a medium-sized portrait.

The use of light and shadow adds depth to the child's features, emphasizing their expressive eyes. Édouard Manet was a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. This portrait, likely painted in the 1870s, showcases his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a modern approach. An interesting fact about this work is that it reflects Manet's interest in the everyday life and experiences of children, a theme that resonates with his broader artistic vision.