Kindervreugd 1838 - 1892

This is "Kindervreugd," or "Children's Joy" No. 57, a print by Hermann van der Moolen. In the late 19th century, when this was made, there was an increasing interest in childhood as a distinct and innocent phase of life. This print presents idealized scenes of domestic life. The compositions create a narrative about childhood, domesticity, and family, all centered around the mother. We see mothers caring for children, overseeing play, and nurturing familial bonds. Gender roles are clearly defined, with women as caregivers and men in a more peripheral role. These images reflect the values of the time, but can also be viewed as an emotional and personal depiction of childhood that is, perhaps, overly sentimental. The emotional resonance of these images lies in their ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time, raising questions about how we construct and remember our own childhoods. The print invites us to reflect on the societal expectations and personal experiences that shape our understanding of family and childhood.