De avondschool 1875 - 1876

This is 'De avondschool' or 'The Evening School,' an undated etching by the Dutch artist Johannes Arnoldus Boland. The print shows a group of people gathered around a table, illuminated by candlelight, presumably engaged in learning or studying. Made in the late 19th century, this image is a window into the social landscape of the Netherlands during a period of significant change. The rise of industrialization created a demand for a more literate workforce. This print reflects the growing importance of education and the efforts of individuals to improve their social mobility through learning. The scene evokes a sense of intimacy, but it also gestures toward the social and economic factors that made evening schools necessary. Were these working-class adults seeking to improve their job prospects? Further research into Dutch educational reforms and social welfare programs of the time would help us to better understand Boland's print. What seems like a simple domestic scene is in fact rich with historical context.