The Huntsville Museum of Art is excited to present the exhibition When They Were Young: Aristocratic Children in European Portaiture. This exhibition opens November 9, 2008, and runs through the Christmas holidays until January 4, 2009.

Portraits include Queen Isabel II of Spain, the Infanta Ana of Austria, future emperor Charles V, the young Edward VI of England, Louis XIII, XIV, XV and XVI, the three teenaged children of Charles I, who was subsequently famously beheaded, Paul future Czar of Russia, and other famous princes and princesses.

EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENT CARD (500K PDF)

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The Aristocratic Children exhibition spans the late 16^th to 19^th centuries and depicts 40 portraits of European children, both royal and noble, from infancy to their teens, many of whom grew up to play important roles in European history. Several of these children, or child-kings, are depicted in ornate clothing befitting the future rulers of their kingdoms. They carry with them expressions of innocence, not yet knowing the fate that lies before them. Many of the paintings also contain hidden messages of symbolism and family status as these children balance the delicate responsibilities of nobility with the innocence of childhood.

The exhibition presents a rare insight into the strategic display of dynastic aspirations that were the foundation of European politics for centuries. Commissioned by royal courts, nobility, and well-to-do burghers, these images were made for a variety of purposes: to represent a family’s wealth and power; to facilitate marriages and to negotiate diplomatic ties; to record family history; and sometimes – due to the high infant mortality rate – to recall little ones who died. Portrayed as miniature adults the roles they were destined to assume in the future already suggested these young individuals face the expectations of their elders and the viewer with a gravity that belies infancy and childhood. Their composure and self control seem complete, yet their serious expressions hint at the exalted prospects and the towering responsibilities that await them.

The exhibition is organized by The Fundación Yannick y Ben Jakober and the Trust for Museum Exhibitions, Washington, D.C.

PROGRAMS
Opening Day Program	Great Expectations: How the Other Half Lived Presentation by Dominique H. Vasseur, Curator of European Art, Columbus Museum of Art November 9 2 pm Great Hall Reception to follow Members free/$15 for non-members (includes general admission) Using the Aristocratic Children exhibition as a springboard for discussion, Mr. Vasseur will relate stories about some of the more famous (and infamous) subjects of these portraits. He will include intriguing facts about their later lives as well as pictures of them as adults. A reception hosted by the Museum’s Foundation Board will follow in the Beck Room.
	Huntsville Children's Community Chorus Performance November 9 3:15-4 pm As a special treat and part of the opening day program for the Aristocratic Children exhibition, the Huntsville Children's Community Chorus will perform following the 2 pm presentation by Dominique H. Vasseur, Curator of European Art, Columbus Museum of Art.
Docent-Led Public Tour	November 20 7 pm
Drop-In Family Art Activity Day Dazzling Frame Masterpieces!	December 14 on-going 2-3:30 pm Richard and Roper Orientation Room Program fee included with general admission. Bring your family and explore the costume area of the exhibition When They Were Young: Aristocratic Children in European Portraiture. You can dress like royalty and have your own portrait taken! Pictures will then be uploaded to the Museum’s web site. Embellish mat board frames with faux jewels, sequins, ribbons, buttons and other materials. Plus, you’ll get a chance to visit the Aristocratic Children exhibition and learn what it was like to be a royal child during the 16th century by dressing up in costumes and taking fun photos. This is a great holiday art making activity for the whole family! This activity is recommended for children ages 3 and up with a parent or adult companion.
Lacemakers in the Galleries	December 14 Ongoing 2-4 pm The Huntsville Lacemakers and Constitution Village Lacers will be in the galleries demonstrating various techniques of lace making, including bobbin lace and tatting. Examples of lace clothing and lace making tools are also on view in the Aristocratic Children exhibition.
Holiday Carolers	December 14 2-4 pm Lobby & Chan Gallery Members free/$10 for non-members includes general admission Enjoy a holiday visit to the galleries as this trio of strolling carolers share with us traditional and contemporary favorites of the season. The carolers will also feature a flute accompaniment and flute duets. Hot cider and cookies will be offered in the lobby to drive away the winter chill! This activity is recommended for children ages 3 and up with a parent or adult companion.

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The Museum will increase its admission to $10/non-member for all galleries during the run of the Aristocratic Children showcase exhibition from November 9-January 4 only. Admission fees will resume to $7/non-member for all galleries when the Aristocratic Children exhibition closes on January 4.

Thursday night reduced admission will be replaced with $10/non-member for all galleries from November 9-January 4 only. Thursday night reduced admission will return for all galleries when the Aristocratic Children exhibition closes on January 4.

This is a fantastic time to join the Museum!

Tell a friend to join or renew your membership today so you can experience both the Aristocratic Children and Nashville Portraits exhibitions for FREE this holiday season!

Three easy ways to sign up:

Download the Membership Application

Contact the Membership Office – (256) 535-4350 ext. 223 or cfaraci@hsvmuseum.org

Visit the Museum’s front desk and fill out a Membership Application