The Hand that Rocked the Cradle

This book offers a fresh perspective on the history of birth and infancy by showing a rich array of images and objects ranging from paintings, prints, sculpture, metalwork, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, furniture and woodwork from both the fine and decorative arts, and medical and social history collections. Western European art has a strong tradition in representing birth and infancy, and many objects relating to this subject have survived, in collections such as the Wellcome in London and other museums and galleries across the world.

The long chronological scope (1300-1900) provides insight to the enduring nature of many traditions and heirlooms relating to childhood and infancy. Moreover, by tracing the subject back to the medieval period it challenges the notion that so many of these practices were of more recent origin.

The book is divided into an introduction followed by seven chapters with integrated fully captioned illustrations. The main subjects covered are: Beliefs and Customs; Childbirth; Lying-in, Rites of passage, ceremony and rituals; Milestones; The cult of breastfeeding; Accidents, abuse, fatalities and abandonment.