In the Middle Ages, children were seen as objects rather than individuals and the focus was on the mother, not the child. In the 17th and 18th centuries, children were viewed as miniature adults and participated in community life through early employment. In the 18th century, children began to be regarded as individuals but were often depicted as vulnerable yet sometimes active and intelligent.

1. +
History of Childhood
Katie Weber & Chelsea Griffin

2. +
Middle Ages


They are seen as “objects” instead of
their own persons.

Middle Ages
First ideas of childhood emerge.
Ex: Virgin and Child 15c

The main focus is on the mother, not
the child.

3. +
17th and 18th century
In these centuries, children were seen
as “miniature adults” as you can see in
the picture.
They were part of community life
because they were given jobs at a very
young age.

4. +
Beginning 17th Century

Children are beginning to be seen as a central part of the
family.

In paintings from this era the child is shown as the main part of
the picture with the parents surrounding them.

5. +
18th Century
Children are beginning to be seen as
individuals, but they were often
portrayed as vulnerable and fragile, but
sometimes as active and intelligent
and free.

6. +
19th Century

Children are seen as a inferior social class.

They don’t have their own voice, and parents/guardians make
all the decisions for them

7. +
20th Century

Children are getting a voice

Society is slowly starting to see them as their own being with
their own ideas and opinions.

Still have a ways to go, but we’re getting there.