Nog een prent die de jeugd, / Zoo ik hoop weer verheugd [(...)] 1850 - 1870

Editor: Here we have an engraving from the Rijksmuseum collection, “Nog een prent die de jeugd, / Zoo ik hoop weer verheugd [(...)]” by Jacob Plügger, dating from around 1850 to 1870. It reminds me of a page from a children’s book, with little scenes and text boxes. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This print is fascinating. It’s crucial to consider it within the social and cultural context of the 19th century. Prints like these often served a didactic purpose, embedding moral lessons for children through narrative. Consider the representation of childhood here – is it idyllic, or does it reflect societal expectations of obedience and proper behaviour? What power dynamics are at play in these domestic and outdoor scenes? Editor: I guess I hadn't thought about it that way. It seemed innocent at first glance. Are you suggesting the artist had a specific agenda? Curator: Not necessarily an "agenda" in a conspiratorial sense, but art rarely exists in a vacuum. This print, intended for children, subtly reinforces existing social structures – gender roles, class distinctions, acceptable forms of play. Look closely – who is active, who is passive? Who is indoors, who is out? Whose stories get told, and how? It's also interesting to question how accessible art education was for the public and children during the period it was produced. Editor: That makes me rethink my initial assumptions. I see the children role-playing, potentially solidifying class norms... So, it is more than just entertainment; it reflects the values of that era. Curator: Exactly. By understanding the historical context, we can engage in a more critical dialogue with the artwork. It provokes conversations around the construction of childhood and social responsibility that still resonate today. Editor: I'll definitely be considering that going forward. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about.