Current Exhibitions
Sitting Still: Faces of Childhood
Until spring 2012
Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada, Level 1
An unsentimental look at sentimental portraits from the ROM's 19th century Canadian collection. Look closely at the individual portraits and sense the subtle play between child and artist, parent and child and sisters and brothers. Discover the personal, social and historical contexts in which these portraits were produced.
The exhibition includes paintings that for generations had remained within the child's family. Two of the portraits are recent ROM acquisitions: Eliza Cory Clench one of Paul Kane's earliest portraits, and James, Kathleen, and William McLaren by J.W.L. Forster and here unveiled for its first ever public presentation.
Sitting Still: Faces of Childhood offers new insights into these particular portraits that are integral to the ROM's Canadian collection. Come meet the kids on our block.
Florence Louisa Nelles. Delos Cline Bell (Canadian, 1829 - 1918) Oil on canvas, c. 1863.
Sophia Dickinson. Nelson Cook (American, 1809-1892) Oil on canvas, 1832.
