Sleeping Child c. 18th century

Curator: This print, "Sleeping Child," was created by Francesco Bartolozzi, an Italian engraver active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Editor: It's striking how Bartolozzi captures the vulnerability of infancy; there's a real sense of peace and defenselessness. Curator: The sleeping child is a powerful symbol, often representing innocence, purity, and the potential for new beginnings in art. Editor: Given the period, it's hard not to consider issues of mortality and class. Who had the luxury of undisturbed sleep, and who did not? Curator: That's a valid point. It reminds us that artistic representations are always shaped by their historical context and the artist's perspective. Editor: Absolutely. Examining art through an intersectional lens helps us understand both the beauty and the embedded politics of these works. It's been a fascinating reminder of how art can reflect and refract the complex realities of its time.