Im Waisenhaus, vier strickende Mädchen 1898

"Im Waisenhaus, vier strickende Mädchen," or "In the Orphanage, Four Knitting Girls" is an ink drawing made in 1898 by Ferdinand Balzer. It depicts four young girls diligently engaged in knitting, likely within the confines of an orphanage. Balzer’s work provides a glimpse into the lives of marginalized children during a period of rapid industrialization and social change in Germany. Orphanages were, at this time, as much about control as they were about care, and the girls' activity reflects the gendered expectations placed on young women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Knitting was seen as a means of instilling discipline and preparing them for domestic service. The artist captures a sense of both the somber atmosphere of the orphanage and the resilience of the girls, each finding solace and purpose in their task. Balzer’s sketch invites us to reflect on the intersection of gender, class, and institutional life in shaping the identities and experiences of these young women. It serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between art, social commentary, and personal narratives.