Herinneringen van een straatjongen 1862

This drawing, "Memories of a Street Urchin," was created by Pieter van Loon sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Van Loon's sketches offer a glimpse into the world of childhood in a rapidly changing society, a world often romanticized but also fraught with hardship. The artwork's meaning is created through visual codes, referencing the emergence of the modern concept of childhood. During this period, there was growing concern about the welfare of children, particularly those living in poverty. Van Loon's drawing invites us to reflect on the social conditions that shape artistic production and reception. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. To fully understand this work, one might consult historical documents, social surveys, and literary sources that shed light on the experiences of children in 19th-century Europe. Through such research, we can better appreciate the complex interplay between art, society, and individual experience.