Uffizi exhibition explores childhood in ancient Rome

The Uffizi Galleries in Florence have opened 'A misura di bambino. Crescere nell'antica Roma' (Child-sized: Growing up in ancient Rome), an exhibition dedicated to childhood in ancient Rome. Curated by Lorenza Camin and Fabrizio Paolucci, the show features over thirty works including statues, reliefs, busts, sarcophagi, and toys. Highlights include a restored statue of Mercury with the infant Bacchus from the Uffizi storerooms, a third-century AD ivory doll never before exhibited, and a gladiator statuette with interchangeable accessories resembling modern action figures. Also on display are Hellenistic and Roman tanagrine funerary statuettes acquired by the Uffizi after being seized from a depot of artworks looted by German troops. The exhibition is designed for children: artworks are placed at child height, with educational panels and captions tailored for young visitors. Comic strips by Stefano Piscitelli and audio mp3s by Carlotta Caruso and Sara Colantonio of the Museo Nazionale Romano accompany the show. A film by Gianmarco D'Agostino for Advaitafilm recreates an ancient Roman garden where children spend their day. Director Eike Schmidt noted the exhibition opens near International Children's Day (November 20), emphasizing that art is not only for adults. The show runs until April 24, 2022.