Redefining Childhood in 18th-century art

In this lecture, we will discuss the transformative impact of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s ideas on the portrayal of children in art during the 18th century. Rousseau’s revolutionary concepts challenged conventional notions of childhood, advocating for the innate goodness and innocence of children, as well as the importance of nurturing their natural instincts and emotions. Through an analysis of art from the era, we explore how Rousseau’s philosophies inspired artists to depict children with newfound authenticity, emphasizing their purity, spontaneity, and inherent connection to nature. Moreover, we examine the influence of these artistic representations on shaping the concept of the ‘ideal childhood,’ which emerged as a cornerstone of French revolutionary thought. By tracing the evolution of childhood depictions in art, we gain valuable insights into the intersection of philosophy, art, and societal change during this pivotal period in history.

Please, note:

the total duration of the event is 1 hour ( ~ 50mins lecture and 10mins Q&A)
the talk doesn’t require any prior training and anyone can join
This event will be recorded: the video will be available in 3-5 days after the talk
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MORE ON this theme: childhood chronicles

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SPEAKER – SARAH JAFFRAY
Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. Sarah is currently a lecturer at the University of Arts London and Coordinator for City Lit’s Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah’s current research is focused on translation and empathy.