When should young children be introduced to fine art? A unique opportunity at London’s Wallace Collection has proved that children are never too young to enjoy its secrets and surprises.
Shhh...it’s a Secret has been curated by twelve children from a local school, St. Vincent’s Catholic Primary. The young curators have worked closely with staff at the Wallace Collection to unlock the secrets of some of their most prized exhibits.
The family-friendly exhibition features ceramics, furniture, paintings, weapons, and armour, and provides an opportunity for visitors to dress up, as well as a mystery object touching box.
Shhh...it’s a Secret – Highlights of the Exhibition
The Listening Housewife - Nicolas Maes
The children have chosen several paintings. The Listening Housewife (1656), also known as The Eavesdropper, was created by the Dutch artist Nicolas Maes (1634-1693). The housewife lingers in the doorway, holding her finger to her lips, inviting the viewer to watch the misdemeanours of the below-stairs staff. At the same time the viewer sees the guests waiting in the dining room. The children chose this piece because the housewife seems to be saying, “Shhh...it’s a secret”.
Merrymaking in a Tavern – Jan Steen
The children also chose Merrymaking in a Tavern (ca. 1674) by Dutch artist Jan Steen (1626 – 1679). The children were fascinated by the stories of everyday domestic life revealed in the painting. The piece represents the whole spectrum of humanity from an old woman praying, men drinking and couples dancing, to mothers and children playing. There is even a musician sitting above a fireplace playing a violin.
Gold and Cornelian Snuff Box
This gold and cornelian snuff box (ca. 1775, Dresden, Germany) has been attributed to the goldsmith Johann Christian Neuber (1736-1808), renowned for many exquisitely decorated snuff boxes.
The box, once owned by the Duc de Morny, half-brother of the Emperor Napoleon III, lined with gold panels, and carved with the story of Leda and the Swan.
The piece had already been in the possession of the Wallace Collection for over 100 years when, in 1976, two miniature portraits were discovered hidden in a secret sliding drawer. The portraits are those of the philosopher Voltaire and his mistress, the mathematician Milie, Marquise du Châtelet. It is thought the portraits are by the French artist Hubert Drouais (1699-1767).
Sèvres Porcelain Inkstand
Another of the children’s choices is a porcelain inkstand designed by Jean-Claude Chambellan Duplessis, the Elder (1695-1774). It is one of the most important pieces in the Wallace’s Sèvres Collection.
The stand has two medallions. One shows the head of King Louis XV. The other bears the monogram ‘MA’, which it was assumed referred to Marie-Antoinette. Research has subsequently shown that ‘MA’ was Louis’s favourite daughter Marie-Adélaïde, to whom he gave the inkstand.
The inkstand has two celestial globes. One, decorated with signs of the zodiac, contains an inkwell, and the other, a silver-gilt sand shaker. There is also a sponge, on which a pen could be cleaned, and a bell to summon a maid.
Shhh...it’s a Secret will be on view until 28th March 2010. Further information can be obtained from the Wallace Collection.
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
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