Fondslijst van J. Hetzel & Cie te Parijs 1883

This is Fondslijst van J. Hetzel & Cie te Paris, a promotional poster created in 1885 by an anonymous artist, advertising publications for the new year. The poster provides a glimpse into the cultural values and social hierarchies of late 19th-century France, particularly regarding childhood and education. The image presents an idealised vision of youth, surrounded by books, with a clear emphasis on education and literature, reflecting the period’s belief in the transformative power of knowledge. However, this world is far from equal. Gender roles appear traditionally defined; boys are depicted in active, educated roles, while girls are often more passive, or relegated to domestic scenes. Even the figure of the young boy in military uniform subtly hints at the values of patriotism and future service expected from young males. The poster can be seen as a cultural artifact which reflects and reinforces the societal expectations of the time. This image prompts us to consider whose stories were being told, and whose were being left out. While seemingly promoting education for all, it also subtly perpetuates the socio-economic and gender norms of the era.