Images of Childhood in History

In an old book I have kept for a few decades, “Images of Childhood, an illustrated social history” (Mayflower Books, New York 1979) the authoress (A. Schorsch, of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission) uses a collection of art works to explore the changing attitudes towards children through history. Most modern parents would be shocked to learn that up to the Reformation in the sixteenth century “the child is nothing more than a lower animal” - “the infant mewling and puking in the nurse's arms” (Shakespeare) and “violence to children from parents and teachers was socially acceptable”. The “domestic trinity” consisting of father, mother and child and the family house as we know it today did not exist until well into the 17^th century.

"The Mother", 1901

I grew up in a time and in a place where there was not much of human rights which a hard life would allow people to have. Children shared what little they had as well as the responsibilities of looking after younger siblings. Hardships made them stand together and taking up responsibilities made them mature early. 

"Child with a dove", 1901

Later, I was trained in Europe to be a paediatrician, a medical professional representing the rights of children. I learned about “siblings' rivalry” from child psychologists in affluent societies. Back in 1980 in the UK I was involved in a court case and had to give evidence about a child brought to the hospital whom I examined for “non accidental injuries”. I did not find any significant injury but the Chinese parents were charged under suspicion of child abuse, having used measures of corporal punishment for educational purposes. Some time ago I heard about the parents of a Chinese immigrant family being warned by the local authorities for allegedly mishandling their eldest teenage daughter. That she has to baby-sit the younger siblings at night while the parents are still at work in the restaurant is violating German laws governing the rights of children. 

"Art and Solidarity", 1960

 

The child is part of the family. Parental attitudes and the treatment of children are under the direct influence of society and culture. It is impossible to discuss the health and illness of children without understanding the social structures and conditions of human existence of the times. Looking back into history helps to put our own attitudes into perspectives. There could be more than one way of looking at things.

"Grand Maternity" 1963

I have put together here a small album of five paintings by Picasso which touch me as images of childhood and family.”The child with a dove” and “The mother” belong to his very early works in 1901. “Grand Maternity”(1963) could be presented again when we discuss about motherly love around Mother's Day. “Art and Solidarity” (1960) impresses me as a portrait of the domestic trinity of father, mother and child. 

"Bouquet of Peace"

With the “Bouquet of Peace” I wish all children and parents love and peace in the family.

Dear parents, do you also have images of your family to share?