 | "The Changing Face of Childhood" is an impressive exhibition, dedicated to the presence and developpement of children's portraits in British art in the 18th century, soon to be opened at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London. The show will present some of the best works of the genre, very popular as that time, as it gradually spread from Great Britain to Europe, especially to France and Germany. |
It was a time when the view and understanding of childhood was changing, and the artists were among the first to feel, understand and capture in their creations this significant change. It was usual for the aristocrats who commisioned portraits of their children to demand idealistic depicitions, as the child was seen as a future member of the family, bearing all the qualities and physical traits of his ancestors and caring on the family's traditions and values. Yet, in the 18th century this approach evolved, children becoming individuals and symbols of a new beginning, with their own worlds, values and misteries, different from the grown-ups in every way. shows how:
The curators of the show will present some of the most important children portraits made by British artists of the 18th century, in a brilliant display of styles and techniques.
Photo : dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
2007-07-23
