Sports of Children c. 18th century

Curator: Benigno Bossi, an artist active in the late 18th century, created this print, titled "Sports of Children," now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the engraving’s playful mood; the cherubic figures almost tumble out of the frame. Curator: Yes, Bossi's choice of subject echoes the era's fascination with childhood innocence. The image evokes a sense of carefree joy, a visual representation of the Rococo period’s emphasis on pleasure and lightheartedness. Editor: There's an interesting mix of pagan and religious symbolism, isn’t there? Winged children reminiscent of both cupids and angels... and the stone altar-like structure. Curator: Precisely. That tension between classical mythology and Christian iconography was a common device in art of that time, reflecting the complex cultural landscape. Editor: Seeing them together, this print really encapsulates how artists and their patrons navigated cultural symbols. Curator: Indeed, and hopefully this examination has revealed aspects that visitors might not have considered at first glance.