early life and artistic journey pierre frédéric de la croix, a french artist born in 1709, defied the conventions of his time by mastering the art of pastel portraiture despite being deaf and mute. his life's work is a testament to his perseverance and innate talent. de la croix moved to the hague, where he joined the confrerie pictura in 1753, marking a significant milestone in his career. his daughter, susanna, married the renowned flower painter jan van os, and another family member, known only as 'j. de la croix', also gained recognition for their pastel portraits, inspired by pierre's t…