Meisje geeft bal aan jongen c. 1925 - 1935

A. Tinbergen made this drawing, entitled *Girl Giving Ball to Boy*, with pen and ink. We see two children exchanging a ball in a garden. What are the social conditions that shaped this seemingly simple exchange? The innocent nature of the scene obscures many layers of social and cultural assumptions. The artist appears to be Dutch, judging by the title. Given the style of dress, and the presence of sunflowers, it's likely that the drawing was made in the early twentieth century. It comments on the social structures of its time. Children's literature and art often serve as vehicles for instilling cultural values, reinforcing gender roles, and promoting specific behaviors deemed appropriate for young boys and girls. To understand this artwork better, we could use historical research on childhood, gender, and education in the Netherlands. Through this we can begin to appreciate the way institutions such as schools and family shape the production and reception of art.