Medieval child-care practices and devices reflected by contemporary works of art

Abstract

The recent decades produced several – sometimes significantly different – trends in regards with the perception of childhood in the Middle Ages. The contemporary parent-child relationship as well as the children’s place in the society was defined in many different ways by the experts. By providing insight into the lives of the contemporary infants and children, the highly detailed medieval works of art reflect the attitude towards them. These artworks introduce child-care habits that are no longer part of the modern practice and present some medieval versions of child-care devices used nowadays. During my research I came across a number of paintings portraying object and practices of children’s well-being, protection and comfort. I believe this indicates a positive social attitude towards children, highlighting the fact that contemporary adults wanted to ensure that their offspring are properly taken care of.