18 December 2007
The Corsican capital Ajaccio is exploring the representation of childhood in early centuries' paintings through its temporary exhibition at the museum Fesch.
Twenty paintings in total from the 15th to 19th centuries are currently on display at the museum. The paintings are by mainly French and Italian painters.
The event is also aimed at children who can come and explore freely, as well as join workshops to share the artists' creative imagination.
The exhibition, entitled Childhood of art and children's games, will run until February 16th next year
Mayor Simon Renucci told Corse Matin: "It is in some respect the town's Christmas present to our children."
The project was set up by Adrien Goetz, art historian and lecturer at Paris University Sorbonne and Christelle Brothier, organiser of the museum's pedagogic sector.
French and Italian art saw an increase in the representation of children from the 16th century until the beginning of the 19th century as sentimentalism and the appeal for innocence prevailed in a society dreaming of renaissance.
From religious scenes to portraits of youth from the Napoleonic dynasty, all represent childhood, sometimes connoted with a political meaning.
Ajaccio attracts thousands of tourists each year coming to see the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and its museums tracing the island's history.
