Baby Crying 1779

Curator: This drawing, "Baby Crying," is by Abraham Delfos, who was born in 1731. Its small scale allows for an intimate encounter with the subject’s distress. Editor: Oh, the little guy looks so furious! It's like that moment when you realize your ice cream is gone. Poor dear. Curator: Indeed. The work captures a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion. Given the period, perhaps it reflects societal views on the acceptable expressions of childhood. Editor: Or maybe Delfos just had a fussy baby at home! It's funny how universal that feeling is, across centuries. Curator: Absolutely. And considered alongside the Enlightenment's evolving understanding of human emotions, this image could be seen as a commentary on vulnerability. Editor: Well, vulnerability certainly still cries out to us, doesn’t it? Makes you want to give him a hug, or at least offer him some ice cream. Curator: It highlights the enduring power of art to connect us to our shared humanity. Editor: Agreed. It seems we’re all just big babies in fancy clothes, one way or another.