Two nude children playing with a leaf; from New Book of Children 1720 - 1760

Pierre Alexandre Aveline created this print, Two Nude Children Playing With A Leaf, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. The print, now in the Met's collection, depicts two infants in seemingly playful poses. Made in France, this image speaks to the complicated attitude toward childhood at the time. On one hand, childhood was seen as a time of innocence, but there was also a concern for the child's moral development. The nude figures reference classical antiquity, a common practice in academic art institutions of the time. Yet, the choice to depict children introduced a different, and perhaps radical, element. The French court was known for its elaborate social rituals and customs. Art, like this print, often served to reinforce these cultural norms. As art historians, we are interested in how these images reflect and shape societal views. To learn more, we can consult period texts and delve into the archives of the Royal Academy.