Twee jongens stelen appels van een boer 1831

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet made this print, "Two Boys Stealing Apples from a Farmer," sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It depicts a common scene, pointing to the social structures of rural France, where poverty often forced children to pilfer from the land. Look at the visual codes at play here. The furtive actions of the boys contrast sharply with the farmer emerging from his dwelling. The image invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the countryside. Is this a simple act of mischief, or a symptom of deeper social inequalities? Charlet came from a military background and was known for his lithographs, which often depicted scenes of everyday life. This print could reflect a broader interest in social issues that gained traction after the French Revolution. The Rijksmuseum's records, along with other period sources, help us to better understand the social context of the work. Only then can we appreciate its nuanced commentary on French society.