Childhood

‘A Pageant of Childhood’ 1899

TC Gotch (1854 – 1931)

Oil on canvas, 142.7 x 244.3cm

This is one of Gotch’s symbolist paintings of the period 1890 – 1920. It reflected his cult of childhood and motherhood. The painting is allegorical in nature. The varied expressions and postures of the children demonstrate the effect of time, which, despite their present happiness, will eventually carry them all away. The allegorical nature of the work is emphasised by the presence of the figure of Time on the fresco or tapestry behind the children.

Other influences on this work are believed to be:

• feminism
• a philanthropic concern for children
• the late 19^th century British interest in pageants
• 15^th century Florentine art
• the Pre-Raphaelites
• French Symbolism of the 1880s and 1890s
• Art Nouveau

The artist’s daughter, Phyllis, may have been the model for the girl behind the drummer.

This work is currently on display at the Walker Art Gallery.

In this section

• the next item in this section is: 'Puritan and Cavalier' by Frederick Goodall
• Childhood online exhibition main page.

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