Reimagining Parenthood in Nineteenth Century France: Parenthood through the eyes of the French Impressionists

Abstract

This thesis examines the subject of parenthood in nineteenth century France through the works of the French Impressionists. Where previously overlooked, or unjustly criticized for the triviality of the subject due to its association with the feminine space, this research carries out deeper exploration of works by the Impressionists relating to the subject of parenthood and childrearing in nineteenth century France. The works of Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, Eva Gonzalès, Mary Cassatt, Paul Gauguin, Camille Pissarro, James Tissot and Auguste Renoir, will receive close visual analysis, many of which have yet to be discussed sufficiently by scholars and historians alike. Attitudes towards children changed drastically in France between the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The Age of Enlightenment in France, alongside the writings of philosophers like Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), profoundly influenced the subject of parenthood and childrearing in art. Although motherhood has received a great deal of attention, there are four other subjects that relate specifically to parenthood in nineteenth century France that scholars have continued to ignore. Images of wet-nurses, nannies, fatherhood and family group portraits will receive a deep examination in this thesis. These subjects enabled the French Impressionists to explore new techniques and enabled them to develop original compositions yet to be seen in European art. In doing so, they shed light on domestic life in France during the nineteenth century. For the first time viewers granted access into the private domestic spheres of French families and permitted to make assumptions as to the dynamics within the family. Although the domestic sphere has historically been strongly associated with women, this thesis aims to illustrate that it was important to both men and women. The shifts in nineteenth century society pertaining to parenthood and childhood are key to understanding this change. The works of the French impressionists document these changes and illustrate just how important the subject is to understanding French nineteenth century society.