Inscription:

For Tony

Bait

This additional etching accompanied the deluxe edition of The Children’s Crusade which reproduces the twelve etchings in the series. The etchings were proofed and editioned by Paul Coldwell. No one can be sure what the story of the picture is and how it relates to the astonishing historical episode of the 13th century Children’s Crusade. Tom Rosenthal explains how unusual the phenomenon of the Children’s Crusade is, virtually unknown in high art, excepting Brecht’s version with paintings made by Sidney Nolan and music by Benjamin Britten. Paula was delighted at the subject matter, which was suggested to her by a friend, according to Blake Morrison (personal communication) who wrote an introduction to the book. There is no text ancient or new accompanying the images. It stands or falls as a visual narrative, leaving space for commentators to fill with their own thoughts. Tom Rosenthal sees the image as being of “abusive sexual play” and that the model, played by me, could be a priest (if so, he has more than his day job in common with the fictional Father Amaro) and the little girl a slave. One can see it too as a kind of religious black humour, a version of kissing the hand of the priest. Tom speculates that the boy top left is the leader of the crusade and that the naked girl beside him is “cheerful”. I would say rather she is defiant. My copy is inscribed “For Tony. Bait”. And signed “Paula Rego”.