Two nude children standing; from New Book of Children 1720 - 1760

This etching by French artist Pierre Alexandre Aveline depicts two nude children, one standing and one kneeling. Both hold a sickle, a tool used for harvesting crops, symbolizing the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities of life. This artwork, likely from the series *New Book of Children,* showcases the meticulous detail and anatomical accuracy common in 18th-century art. The stark contrast of light and shadow adds depth and drama to the composition, capturing the naturalism of the children's forms.