Jonge man in een overall 1831 - 1904

Arnoud Schaepkens created this etching of a young boy in an overall during the 19th century. It offers a glimpse into the socio-economic realities that shaped the lives of children during this period. Schaepkens, who lived through significant social and political transformations, captures the essence of youth marked by labor and the constraints of class. The boy’s overall, a symbol of work, contrasts starkly with the innocence of his age. His posture, with hands clasped behind his back, is suggestive of resignation or perhaps a premature understanding of his place in society. This work prompts us to consider the narratives of children whose lives were intertwined with the demands of work, and reflect on the emotional and physical landscapes they inhabited. It invites a dialogue about how society’s expectations can shape individual destinies. The etching serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between personal identity and socio-economic factors that continue to resonate today.