Frontispiece 1731 - 1765

This is Frontispiece, a print by Louis Félix de La Rue, after François Boucher. The print embodies the Rococo period's fascination with childhood, but it also reveals the era's complex social attitudes. The cluster of cherubic children, rendered with delicate lines, are seemingly innocent. Yet, their nudity and idealized beauty hint at the eroticization of childhood, a prevalent theme in aristocratic circles. Note how the children’s bodies intertwine, creating a sense of carefree abandon. This carefree representation contrasts with the high mortality rates and strict social expectations placed on children, particularly those of lower social classes. La Rue, as "Pensionnaire du Roy" or pensioner of the King, was supported by the monarchy. As such, this piece reflects the values of the French court. Consider how images like this both shaped and reflected societal views on innocence, beauty, and the role of children in the 18th century.