Three children 1770 - 1780

Editor: Right now we're looking at a delicate porcelain sculpture titled "Three Children," made sometime between 1770 and 1780 by the Cozzi Manufactory. It’s such a charming snapshot of childhood. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: What interests me most is how objects like this shaped ideas about childhood. In the late 18th century, particularly amongst the bourgeoisie and aristocracy, childhood was increasingly seen as a distinct and innocent phase of life, separate from adulthood. Editor: So this sculpture participates in that idealization? Curator: Precisely. Consider the Rococo style, the pastel palette--though monochrome in our image--the idealized features of the children. These choices evoke sentimentality. It's also important to think about where this object might have been displayed. Probably in a private home, reinforcing specific class-based ideas about family and domesticity. This wasn't merely decoration, it was about broadcasting social values. Does this make sense? Editor: Definitely. So, by presenting this idealized view, it simultaneously created and perpetuated certain expectations about children and family. Curator: Exactly. It’s interesting to think about what's left out too, isn't it? The realities of child labor, poverty. Editor: It definitely gives me a lot to think about, viewing a seemingly simple sculpture through a wider cultural lens. Thank you for the explanation! Curator: My pleasure, It is always interesting to rethink established ideas!