Head of a Child 19th-20th century

Editor: This is Louis Valtat’s "Head of a Child," a charcoal drawing. It feels so immediate, almost vulnerable. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Valtat, working during a time of immense social upheaval, offers us a glimpse into the evolving perceptions of childhood. The sketch's raw quality invites us to consider the child not as a symbol of innocence, but as an individual undergoing formation. Editor: Formation? Curator: Yes, think about the late 19th and early 20th century, when ideas about education, healthcare, and social reform were rapidly changing. What role does this image play in representing childhood during that time? Editor: It feels less idealized and more about the realities of growing up. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about.