16 research outputs found
“La femme modèle” from the first communicant to the affectionate mother: a dialogue between painting and moral discourse under the early Third Republic (1870-1900)
This PhD dissertation seeks to define the configuration and evolution of French
women’s moral identity and social status, through works of art created during the first
thirty years of the Third Republic (1870-1900). More specifically, my thesis
investigates the artistic perception and visual recording of “traditional” female roles
and analyses the socio-historical factors which contributed to the construction of the
ideal woman. I focus on the representation of young girls’ education and First
Communion and study the portrayal of maternity which was perceived both as a
personal role and a republican ideal. Furthermore, I consider the institutions of
marriage and family through portraits and scenes of everyday life. The woman’s
relations to the Catholic Church within a secular state, as well as the notions of
chastity and patriotism, are thoroughly explored. In my dissertation I prioritised
nineteenth century texts, where French doctors, demographers and statesmen from
different ideological backgrounds give moral guidelines concerning hygiene,
breastfeeding and childcare, or analyse phenomena such as the birth rate decline. The
writings of these authors who communicated major social anxieties served as an
evaluative platform; more specifically, I ventured to see how French painters and
illustrators participated to the most important debates of their time. Therefore, the
criterion for the choice of images was not artistic excellence, but their engagement
with the moral and social issues I decided to consider. Since in my thesis pictures are
treated within a socio-historical context, I was challenged to achieve a balance
between the visual and theoretical material, making them inter-relate effectively.
Finally, my time-frame covers the three first decades of the French Third Republic
and observes the succession of different governments. I investigate to what extent
certain social attitudes which were developed during this period of thirty years
shifted, and try to find out whether these alterations are conveyed in painting
Divergence between Neuronal and Oligodendroglial Cell Fate, in Postnatal Brain Neural Stem Cells, Leads to Divergent Properties in Polymorphic In Vitro Assays
Two main stem cell pools exist in the postnatal mammalian brain that, although they share some “stemness” properties, also exhibit significant differences. Multipotent neural stem cells survive within specialized microenvironments, called niches, and they are vulnerable to ageing. Oligodendroglial lineage-restricted progenitor cells are widely distributed in the brain parenchyma and are more resistant to the effects of ageing. Here, we create polymorphic neural stem cell cultures and allow cells to progress towards the neuronal and the oligodendroglial lineage. We show that the divergence of cell fate is accompanied by a divergence in the properties of progenitors, which reflects their adaptation to life in the niche or the parenchyma. Neurogenesis shows significant spatial restrictions and a dependence on laminin, a major niche component, while oligodendrogenesis shows none of these constraints. Furthermore, the blocking of integrin-β1 leads to opposing effects, reducing neurogenesis and enhancing oligodendrogenesis. Therefore, polymorphic neural stem cell assays can be used to investigate the divergence of postnatal brain stem cells and also to predict the in vivo effects of potential therapeutic molecules targeting stem and progenitor cells, as we do for the microneurotrophin BNN-20
Enhancement of endogenous midbrain neurogenesis by microneurotrophin BNN-20 after neural progenitor grafting in a mouse model of nigral degeneration
We have previously shown the neuroprotective and pro-neurogenic activity of microneurotrophin BNN-20 in the substantia nigra of the “weaver” mouse, a model of progressive nigrostriatal degeneration. Here, we extended our investigation in two clinically-relevant ways. First, we assessed the effects of BNN-20 on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells and neurons derived from healthy and parkinsonian donors. Second, we assessed if BNN-20 can boost the outcome of mouse neural progenitor cell intranigral transplantations in weaver mice, at late stages of degeneration. We found that BNN-20 has limited direct effects on cultured human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells, marginally enhancing their differentiation towards neurons and partially reversing the pathological phenotype of dopaminergic neurons generated from parkinsonian donors. In agreement, we found no effects of BNN-20 on the mouse neural progenitor cells grafted in the substantia nigra of weaver mice. However, the graft strongly induced an endogenous neurogenic response throughout the midbrain, which was significantly enhanced by the administration of microneurotrophin BNN-20. Our results provide straightforward evidence of the existence of an endogenous midbrain neurogenic system that can be specifically strengthened by BNN-20. Interestingly, the lack of major similar activity on cultured human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors and their progeny reveals the in vivo specificity of the aforementioned pro-neurogenic effect
Characterization of substantia nigra neurogenesis in homeostasis and dopaminergic degeneration: beneficial effects of the microneurotrophin BNN-20
Background
Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) underlines much of the pathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the existence of an endogenous neurogenic system that could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy has been controversial. BNN-20 is a synthetic, BDNF-mimicking, microneurotrophin that we previously showed to exhibit a pleiotropic neuroprotective effect on the dopaminergic neurons of the SNpc in the “weaver” mouse model of PD. Here, we assessed its potential effects on neurogenesis.
Methods
We quantified total numbers of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc of wild-type and “weaver” mice, with or without administration of BNN-20, and we employed BrdU labelling and intracerebroventricular injections of DiI to evaluate the existence of dopaminergic neurogenesis in the SNpc and to assess the origin of newborn dopaminergic neurons. The in vivo experiments were complemented by in vitro proliferation/differentiation assays of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from the substantia nigra and the subependymal zone (SEZ) stem cell niche to further characterize the effects of BNN-20.
Results
Our analysis revealed the existence of a low-rate turnover of dopaminergic neurons in the normal SNpc and showed, using three independent lines of experiments (stereologic cell counts, BrdU and DiI tracing), that the administration of BNN-20 leads to increased neurogenesis in the SNpc and to partial reversal of dopaminergic cell loss. The newly born dopaminergic neurons, that are partially originated from the SEZ, follow the typical nigral maturation pathway, expressing the transcription factor FoxA2. Importantly, the pro-cytogenic effects of BNN-20 were very strong in the SNpc, but were absent in other brain areas such as the cortex or the stem cell niche of the hippocampus. Moreover, although the in vitro assays showed that BNN-20 enhances the differentiation of NSCs towards glia and neurons, its in vivo administration stimulated only neurogenesis.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate the existence of a neurogenic system in the SNpc that can be manipulated in order to regenerate the depleted dopaminergic cell population in the “weaver” PD mouse model. Microneurotrophin BNN-20 emerges as an excellent candidate for future PD cell replacement therapies, due to its area-specific, pro-neurogenic effects
Characterization of substantia nigra neurogenesis in homeostasis and dopaminergic degeneration: beneficial effects of the microneurotrophin BNN-20.
BACKGROUND: Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) underlines much of the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the existence of an endogenous neurogenic system that could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy has been controversial. BNN-20 is a synthetic, BDNF-mimicking, microneurotrophin that we previously showed to exhibit a pleiotropic neuroprotective effect on the dopaminergic neurons of the SNpc in the "weaver" mouse model of PD. Here, we assessed its potential effects on neurogenesis. METHODS: We quantified total numbers of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc of wild-type and "weaver" mice, with or without administration of BNN-20, and we employed BrdU labelling and intracerebroventricular injections of DiI to evaluate the existence of dopaminergic neurogenesis in the SNpc and to assess the origin of newborn dopaminergic neurons. The in vivo experiments were complemented by in vitro proliferation/differentiation assays of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from the substantia nigra and the subependymal zone (SEZ) stem cell niche to further characterize the effects of BNN-20. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed the existence of a low-rate turnover of dopaminergic neurons in the normal SNpc and showed, using three independent lines of experiments (stereologic cell counts, BrdU and DiI tracing), that the administration of BNN-20 leads to increased neurogenesis in the SNpc and to partial reversal of dopaminergic cell loss. The newly born dopaminergic neurons, that are partially originated from the SEZ, follow the typical nigral maturation pathway, expressing the transcription factor FoxA2. Importantly, the pro-cytogenic effects of BNN-20 were very strong in the SNpc, but were absent in other brain areas such as the cortex or the stem cell niche of the hippocampus. Moreover, although the in vitro assays showed that BNN-20 enhances the differentiation of NSCs towards glia and neurons, its in vivo administration stimulated only neurogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the existence of a neurogenic system in the SNpc that can be manipulated in order to regenerate the depleted dopaminergic cell population in the "weaver" PD mouse model. Microneurotrophin BNN-20 emerges as an excellent candidate for future PD cell replacement therapies, due to its area-specific, pro-neurogenic effects
Expression of RNA interference triggers from an oncolytic herpes simplex virus results in specific silencing in tumour cells in vitro and tumours in vivo
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumours remains a major obstacle for the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics. Following the promising pre-clinical and clinical results with the oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) OncoVEX<sup>GM-CSF</sup>, we aimed to express RNAi triggers from oncolytic HSV, which although has the potential to improve treatment by silencing tumour-related genes, was not considered possible due to the highly oncolytic properties of HSV.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To evaluate RNAi-mediated silencing from an oncolytic HSV backbone, we developed novel replicating HSV vectors expressing short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) or artificial microRNA (miRNA) against the reporter genes green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and β-galactosidase (lacZ). These vectors were tested in non-tumour cell lines <it>in vitro </it>and tumour cells that are moderately susceptible to HSV infection both <it>in vitro </it>and in mice xenografts <it>in vivo</it>. Silencing was assessed at the protein level by fluorescent microscopy, x-gal staining, enzyme activity assay, and western blotting.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our results demonstrate that it is possible to express shRNA and artificial miRNA from an oncolytic HSV backbone, which had not been previously investigated. Furthermore, oncolytic HSV-mediated delivery of RNAi triggers resulted in effective and specific silencing of targeted genes in tumour cells <it>in vitro </it>and tumours <it>in vivo</it>, with the viruses expressing artificial miRNA being comprehensibly more effective.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This preliminary data provide the first demonstration of oncolytic HSV-mediated expression of shRNA or artificial miRNA and silencing of targeted genes in tumour cells <it>in vitro </it>and <it>in vivo</it>. The vectors developed in this study are being adapted to silence tumour-related genes in an ongoing study that aims to improve the effectiveness of oncolytic HSV treatment in tumours that are moderately susceptible to HSV infection and thus, potentially improve response rates seen in human clinical trials.</p
Characterization of polarity development through 2- and 3-D imaging during the initial phase of microspore embryogenesis in Brassica napus L
Investigation of the role of different aspects of the microenvironment on brain neural stem cell regulation under neurodegeneration, and as neuroprotective factors
In the postnatal mammalian brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) are located in specialized microenvironments, called stem cells niches, one of which is the Subependymal Zone (SEZ) of the lateral walls of the lateral ventricles. The neurogenetic niche of the Subependymal Zone constitutes a specialized microenvironment as it presents a special three dimensional cytoarchitecture with increased interactions between progenitors and other cell types of the niche, as well as a specialized system of extracellular matrix composition and blood vessels. Among them, laminin constitutes a major extracellular matrix molecule in the Subependymal Zone of the adult brain, while platelets have recently been recognized as an important cell population of the neurovascular unit, especially in neurodegenerative diseases. Cell-to-cell interactions and signals within the niche play an important role in the balance between NSC quiescence and activation, which is disrupted in cases of injury. The results of the present thesis reveal that neuronal and oligodendroglial lineage-restricted progenitor cells present divergent properties and a differential response to microenvironmental factors in polymorphic NSCs cultures assays, reflecting their differential adaptation within the brain. Specifically, neurogenesis is significantly affected by the cytoarchitecture, exhibiting significant spatial restrictions, and it shows a dependence on laminin, while oligodendrogenesis exhibits none of these constraints. Furthermore, the inhibition of integrin β1 enhanced the divergence between neurogenic and oligodendrogenic properties of NSCs in vitro. These observations are important for basic research and offer a tool to further investigate the mechanisms that regulate the divergence of stem/progenitor cells. Besides their main function, hemostasis, platelets also exhibit multiple other properties, which are mediated through released factors after platelet activation. We have previously shown that platelet factors favor the survival of NSCs in vitro, while a focal lysolecithin-induced demyelination in the adjacent corpus callosum provokes specific aggregation of platelets within the vasculature of the niche. Under brain injury or neurodegeneration platelets participate in inflammatory and immune responses, but their role on neural stem/progenitor cells is still not clear. Based on the above and aiming to investigate microenvironmental factors with a possible neuroprotective and regulatory effect on neural stem cells, we studied the possible regulatory role of platelets on NSC behavior and on their neurogenic and oligodendrogenic properties. Our data highlighted a protective role of platelets in vitro, as their addition (isolated from young mice ) to NSC cultures enhanced both the undifferentiated/progenitor state of NSCs, an effect found to be dependent on cell-to-cell interactions, as well as the presence of neuroblasts in the proximity of areas with higher cell densities (3D structures), but without affecting levels of neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis. On the other hand, in vivo transient chemical platelet depletion combined with demyelination within the corpus callosum increased the presence of oligodendrocyte lineage cells within the SEZ, as well as in the corpus callosum. The absence of a consistent in vitro effect of platelets on oligodendrogenesis can be explained by considering that co-cultures constitute a special and simplifying system in comparison with cell-to-cell interactions which are observed within the brain. Furthermore, it indicates that oligodendrocyte regulation does not require direct platelet/progenitor cell contact, but it is mediated by other cell populations, such as the endothelium. Finally, we investigated the possible role of platelets in another neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, transient thrombocytopenia was also performed in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (APP PS1 mice). Together, these findings suggest the important role of different microenvironmental factors on NSC behavior and cell fate commitment in vitro, revealing a higher dependence of neurogenesis and a significant resistance of oligodendrogenesis, in terms of cytoarchitecture and extracellular matrix composition. Furthermore, our data highlight the multidimensional regulatory role of platelets, which present a favorable effect, enhancing the progenitor state of NSCs in vitro and an inhibitory role on oligodendrocyte lineage cells after demyelination in the corpus callosum. An important role in these differential effects (direct or indirect and positive or negative) it is possible to have platelet numbers, which interact with stem/ progenitor cells, as well as the stimuli that platelets receive. Transplantations of isolated platelets into the mouse corpus callosum and investigation of neural stem/progenitor cell behavior, may contribute to a greater understanding of platelet response between homeostasis and neuropathology, thus providing new potential targets for the development of effective therapeutic approaches in degenerative diseases of the brain.Στον ενήλικο εγκέφαλο των θηλαστικών, τα νευρικά βλαστικά κύτταρα (Neural Stem Cells, NSCs) εντοπίζονται σε εξειδικευμένες περιοχές, που ονομάζονται βλαστικές φωλεές, μια εκ των οποίων είναι η Υποεπενδυματική Ζώνη (Subependymal Zone, SEZ) των πλάγιων τοιχωμάτων των πλάγιων κοιλιών. Η νευρογενετική φωλεά της Υποεπενδυματικής Ζώνης αποτελεί ένα εξειδικευμένο μικροπεριβάλλον, καθώς παρουσιάζει μια ειδική τρισδιάστατη κυτταρική αρχιτεκτονική με αυξημένες αλληλοεπιδράσεις μεταξύ των προγονικών και άλλων κυττάρων, καθώς και ένα εξειδικευμένο σύστημα μορίων εξωκυττάριας ουσίας και αγγείων. Μεταξύ αυτών, η λαμινίνη αποτελεί ένα κύριο μόριο εξωκυττάριας ουσίας στην Υποεπενδυματική ζώνη του ενήλικου εγκεφάλου, ενώ τα αιμοπετάλια πρόσφατα έχουν αναγνωριστεί ως ένας σημαντικός πληθυσμός της νευροαγγειακής μονάδας, ιδιαίτερα σε νευροπαθολογικές καταστάσεις του εγκεφάλου. Οι κυτταρικές αλληλεπιδράσεις και τα σήματα που δέχονται τα νευρικά βλαστικά κύτταρα εντός της φωλεάς διαδραματίζουν κρίσιμο ρόλο στην ισορροπία μεταξύ αδράνειας και ενεργοποίησής τους, η οποία διαταράσσεται σε περιπτώσεις τραυματισμού. Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας διατριβής αποκαλύπτουν ότι προγονικά κύτταρα νευρικής και ολιγοδενδρογλοιακής μοίρας παρουσιάζουν αποκλίνουσες ιδιότητες και διαφορετική απόκριση στους παράγοντες του μικροπεριβάλλοντος σε πολυμορφικές καλλιέργειες NSCs in vitro, αντανακλώντας τη διαφορετική προσαρμογή τους εντός του εγκεφάλου. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, προτείνεται ότι η νευρογένεση επηρεάζεται σημαντικά από την κυτταρική αρχιτεκτονική, εμφανίζοντας μεγαλύτερους χωρικούς περιορισμούς, ενώ παρουσιάζει και μια μεγαλύτερη εξάρτηση από τη λαμινίνη, σε σχέση με την ολιγοδενδρογένεση. Επιπρόσθετα, η αναστολή της β1 υπομονάδας των κύριων υποδοχέων εξωκυττάριας ουσίας, των ιντεγκρινών, ενίσχυσε σημαντικά την απόκλιση μεταξύ των νευρογενετικών και ολιγοδενδρογενετικών ιδιοτήτων των NSCs in vitro. Αυτές οι παρατηρήσεις είναι σημαντικές σε επίπεδο βασικής έρευνας και προσφέρουν εργαλεία για την περαιτέρω διερεύνηση των μηχανισμών που ρυθμίζουν τις συγκεκριμένες αποκλίσεις. Είναι γνωστό ότι τα αιμοπετάλια εκτός από την κύρια λειτουργία τους, την αιμόσταση, διαθέτουν επίσης πολλαπλές άλλες ιδιότητες, που διαμεσολαβούνται μέσω των παραγόντων που απελευθερώνουν έπειτα από ενεργοποίησή τους. Πρόσφατη ερευνητική δουλειά της ομάδας αποκάλυψε πως αιμοπεταλιακοί παράγοντες ευνοούν την επιβίωση των NSCs in vitro, ενώ η απομυελίνωση στο μεσολόβιο μυών επιφέρει συσσώρευση αιμοπεταλίων στα αιμοφόρα αγγεία της Υποεπενδυματικής ζώνης. Σε περιπτώσεις τραυματισμού ή εκφύλισης του εγκεφάλου τα αιμοπετάλια συμμετέχουν σε ανοσολογικές και φλεγμονώδεις αποκρίσεις, χωρίς ωστόσο να είναι ξεκάθαρος ο ρόλος τους ως προς τα νευρικά βλαστικά/προγονικά κύτταρα. Με βάση τα παραπάνω και στοχεύοντας στη διερεύνηση παραγόντων του μικροπεριβάλλοντος με πιθανή προστατευτική και ρυθμιστική δράση ως προς τα νευρικά βλαστικά κύτταρα, σε δεύτερο επίπεδο, η παρούσα διατριβή εστίασε στη διερεύνηση του ρόλου των αιμοπεταλίων στη συμπεριφορά των NSCs, ενώ στηριζόμενοι στις παραπάνω in vitro παρατηρήσεις, δόθηκε έμφαση στις νευρογενετικές και ολιγοδενδρογενετικές ιδιότητες, με στόχο την προσέγγιση προστατευτικών στρατηγικών σε εκφυλιστικές καταστάσεις. Τα αποτελέσματά μας ανέδειξαν έναν προστατευτικό ρόλο των αιμοπεταλίων in vitro, καθώς η προσθήκη τους (απομονωμένων από νεαρά πειραματόζωα) στις καλλιέργειες, ενίσχυσε τόσο την αδιαφοροποίητη/προγονική κατάσταση των NSCs, επίδραση που διαπιστώθηκε να εξαρτάται από τις διακυτταρικές αλληλεπιδράσεις (cell-to-cell interaction) μεταξύ των δυο πληθυσμών, αλλά και την παρουσία των νευροβλαστών σε περιοχές με υψηλές κυτταρικές πυκνότητες (3D δομές), χωρίς όμως να επηρεάζει τα επίπεδα νευρογένεσης και ολιγοδενδρογένεσης. Από την άλλη πλευρά, η in vivo διερεύνηση σε ένα μοντέλο παροδικής χημικής απαλοιφής των αιμοπεταλίων της περιφέρειας, σε συνδυασμό με απομυελινωτική βλάβη στο μεσολόβιο, οδήγησε σε αυξημένη παρουσία ολιγοδενδρογλοιακών κυττάρων εντός της SEZ, καθώς και στο μεσολόβιο. Η απουσία συμβατής in vitro επίδρασης των αιμοπεταλίων ως προς την ολιγοδενδρογένεση, μπορεί να εξηγηθεί λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν ότι οι συγκαλλιέργειες αποτελούν ένα ιδιαίτερο και απλουστευτικό σύστημα σε σχέση με τις αλληλεπιδράσεις των κυτταρικών τύπων που εμφανίζονται εντός του εγκεφάλου. Επιπρόσθετα, είναι μια ένδειξη ότι η ρύθμιση του ολιγοδενδρογλοιακού χαρακτήρα δεν απαιτεί την άμεση επαφή αιμοπεταλίων/προγονικών κυττάρων, αλλά επιτυγχάνεται έμμεσα με τη διαμεσολάβηση άλλων κυτταρικών πληθυσμών, όπως για παράδειγμα του ενδοθηλίου. Τέλος, εξετάστηκε ο πιθανός ρόλος των αιμοπεταλίων σε μια άλλη κατάσταση νευροεκφύλισης και για το σκοπό αυτό εφαρμόστηκε βαρχυπρόθεσμη θρομβοκυτταροπενία σε ένα διαγονιδιακό μοντέλο της νόσου Alzheimer (APP-PS1 μύες). Συνοψίζοντας, τα ευρήματα της παρούσας διατριβής αναδεικνύουν τον κρίσιμο ρόλο των παραγόντων του μικροπεριβάλλοντος στον καθορισμό των NSCs in vitro, αποκαλύπτοντας μια μεγαλύτερη εξάρτηση της νευρογένεσης και μια σημαντική ανθεκτικότητα της ολιγοδενδρογένεσης, ως προς την κυτταρική αρχιτεκτονική και κομβικούς παράγοντες εξωκυττάριας ουσίας. Επιπρόσθετα, υπογραμμίζουν την πολυδιάστατη ρυθμιστική δράση των αιμοπεταλίων, καθώς εμφανίζουν έναν ευνοϊκό ρόλο, ενισχύοντας την προγονική κατάσταση των NSCs in vitro, ενώ αντίθετα μια ανασταλτική δράση ως προς τα κύτταρα ολιγοδενδρογλοιακής μοίρας σε καταστάσεις απομυελίνωσης in vivo. Σημαντικό ρόλο σε αυτές τις διαδικασίες και διαφορικές επιδράσεις (άμεσες ή έμμεσες και θετικές ή αρνητικές) φαίνεται να διαδραματίζει ο αριθμός και η ποσότητα των αιμοπεταλίων που αλληλοεπιδρούν με τα βλαστικά και προγονικά κύτταρα, καθώς και τα εκάστοτε ερεθίσματα που λαμβάνουν τα αιμοπετάλια. Οι μεταμοσχεύσεις αυτών στο μεσολόβιο μυών υπό φυσιολογικές καταστάσεις ομοιόστασης και η διερεύνηση της συμπεριφοράς των νευρικών βλαστικών/προγονικών κυττάρων, θα συμβάλλει στη μεγαλύτερη κατανόηση της λειτουργικότητας και απόκρισης των αιμοπεταλίων, μεταξύ καταστάσεων ομοιόστασης και παθογένειας, παρέχοντας νέους πιθανούς στόχους για την ανάπτυξη μελλοντικών θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων σε εκφυλιστικές καταστάσεις του εγκεφάλου
La femme modèle de la première communiante à la mère affectueuse: un dialogue entre la peinture et le discours moral sous la Troisième République, 1870-1900
This PhD dissertation seeks to define the configuration and evolution of Frenchwomen’s moral identity and social status, through works of art created during the firstthirty years of the Third Republic (1870-1900). More specifically, my thesisinvestigates the artistic perception and visual recording of “traditional” female rolesand analyses the socio-historical factors which contributed to the construction of theideal woman. I focus on the representation of young girls’ education and FirstCommunion and study the portrayal of maternity which was perceived both as apersonal role and a republican ideal. Furthermore, I consider the institutions ofmarriage and family through portraits and scenes of everyday life. The woman’srelations to the Catholic Church within a secular state, as well as the notions ofchastity and patriotism, are thoroughly explored. In my dissertation I prioritisednineteenth century texts, where French doctors, demographers and statesmen fromdifferent ideological backgrounds give moral guidelines concerning hygiene,breastfeeding and childcare, or analyse phenomena such as the birth rate decline. Thewritings of these authors who communicated major social anxieties served as anevaluative platform; more specifically, I ventured to see how French painters andillustrators participated to the most important debates of their time. Therefore, thecriterion for the choice of images was not artistic excellence, but their engagementwith the moral and social issues I decided to consider. Since in my thesis pictures aretreated within a socio-historical context, I was challenged to achieve a balancebetween the visual and theoretical material, making them inter-relate effectively.Finally, my time-frame covers the three first decades of the French Third Republicand observes the succession of different governments. I investigate to what extentcertain social attitudes which were developed during this period of thirty yearsshifted, and try to find out whether these alterations are conveyed in paintingΗ διατριβή επικεντρώνεται στην διαμόρφωση και εξέλιξη της ηθικής ταυτότητας και της κοινωνικής θέσης των γυναικών στη Γαλλία, μέσα από έργα ζωγραφικής που δημιουργήθηκαν στα πρώτα τριάντα χρόνια της Τρίτης Δημοκρατίας (1870-1900). Το κείμενο μελετά την καλλιτεχνική πρόσληψη και εικαστική απόδοση «παραδοσιακών» γυναικείων ρόλων, αναλύοντας τους ιστορικο-κοινωνικούς παράγοντες που συνέβαλαν στην κατασκευή του γυναικείου ιδεώδους εκείνης της εποχής. Οι έννοιες της αγνότητας, της ευσέβειας, της συζυγικής αφοσίωσης και του μητρικού καθήκοντος που αναδύονται από έργα τέχνης αναλύονται στο φως συγγραμμάτων τα οποία επεξεργάζονται ζητήματα ηθικής φύσης. Ο πατριωτισμός και οι εθνικιστικές τάσεις της περιόδου που ακολούθησε τον Γαλλοπρωσικό πόλεμο είναι θέματα που επανέρχονται στα κεφάλαια της παρούσας μελέτης. Παράλληλα, εξετάζονται η προώθηση ορισμένων κοινωνικά χρήσιμων αντιλήψεων και ο τρόπος που η φιλοπατρία των Γάλλων επηρέασε την εκπαίδευση και τη μορφή του οικογενειακού θεσμού. Η διατριβή παρακολουθεί την ταραχώδη σχέση του ρεπουμπλικανικού καθεστώτος με την Ρωμαιοκαθολική Εκκλησία, από την εχθρότητα της δεκαετίας του 1880 μέχρί τις προσπάθειες για συμβιβασμό που έγιναν μετά το 1890. Τα κείμενα σημαντικών πνευματικών και ηθικών ταγών της εποχής παρείχαν το ιστορικό και θεωρητικό υπόβαθρο που επέτρεψε την κατανόηση μεγάλων κοινωνικών ανησυχιών συνδεδεμένων με την πληθυσμιακή μείωση και την ηθική παρακμή της Γαλλίας. Οι Γάλλοι καλλιτέχνες και εικονογράφοι συμμετείχαν μέσα από το έργο τους στις κορυφαίες ιδεολογικές αντιπαραθέσεις του καιρού τους. Η σχέση των γυναικών με τη θρησκεία αποτελεί ένα θέμα-κλειδί που διερευνάται εκτενώς. Οι ισχυροί δεσμοί του γυναικών με την Καθολική Εκκλησία σφυρηλατήθηκαν στη διάρκεια πολλών αιώνων, μέσα από την εκπαίδευση που έπαιρναν τα κορίτσια στο σπίτι ή στο σχολείο διαμορφώνοντας την ηθική τους ταύτοτητα. Η εικόνα της Γαλλίδας αστής ή χωρικής ως πιστής χριστιανής αναδεικνύεται μέσα από πολλά παραδείγματα