for our lasting pleasure.

Art has produced so many representations of children that it would be a
hopeless task to attempt a complete enumeration of them, and the book
makes no pretensions to exhaustiveness. The aim has been merely to
suggest a convenient outline of classification, and to describe a few
characteristic examples in each group. The nature of the undertaking
has, of course, necessitated consulting the works of many standard
authorities, to whom I gratefully acknowledge my indebtedness. The names
of the most prominent are included in the bibliographical list. While
faithfully studying their opinions, I have always reserved the right of
forming an independent estimate of any painting considered, especially
when, as in many cases, I have myself seen the original. I am under
great obligations to my friend Professor Anne Eugenia Morgan of
Wellesley for first showing me, through her philosophical
art-interpretations, the true meaning and value of the works of
the masters. From these interpretations I have drawn many of the
suggestions which are embodied in the descriptions of the following
pages.

While addressing lovers of children primarily, I have also hoped to
interest students in the history of art. I have therefore added a few
notes containing further details in regard to some of the subjects.

E. M. H.

NEW BEDFORD, MASS., June 1, 1894.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER PAGE
I. CHILDHOOD IN IDEAL TYPES 3
II. CHILDREN BORN TO THE PURPLE 29
III. THE CHILDREN OF FIELD AND VILLAGE 57
IV. THE CHILD-LIFE OF THE STREETS 87
V. CHILD-ANGELS 115
VI. THE CHRIST-CHILD 141

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

SISTINE MADONNA Raphael _Frontispiece_

THE STRAWBERRY GIRL Reynolds 7

PENELOPE BOOTHBY Reynolds 15

ANGEL HEADS Reynolds 19
_From the original painting in the National Gallery, London._

NATURE Lawrence 23

PO