The exhibition explores representations of children in art with works spanning from the 16th to the 21st century, including paintings, photographs, works on paper, prints, media art, and sculptures. Featuring artists such as Titian, Van Dyck, Oskar Kokoschka, Rineke Dijkstra, and Gerhard Richter, it reveals how depictions of children reflect changing social norms, roles, and values—ranging from symbols of power to expressions of affection or social commentary.
Children's portraits were created in a dynastic context and were intended to reinforce the nobility's aspirations to rule. Later depictions of children, also include themes such as poverty and childhood. In the 17th and 18th centuries in particular, the growing recognition of childhood as a distinct, natural phase of life gained momentum and was also reflected in children's portraits.
The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on how past images continue to shape our understanding of childhood today.
