Onwetenden onderwijzen 18th century

Editor: So, here we have "Onwetenden onderwijzen," or "Teaching the Ignorant," by Giovanni Volpato, created sometime in the 18th century. It’s a drawing with coloured pencil, etching, and engraving. The scene has a definite air of formality to it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: What strikes me is the performative nature of education depicted here. We're not simply observing a lesson; we're witnessing a carefully constructed tableau vivant, one that speaks volumes about power dynamics in 18th-century society. Note the central figure, elevated in his chair and knowledge, and observe how the surrounding figures are positioned almost to reinforce his authority. How do you interpret the body language of each character? Editor: It definitely seems staged, and unequal. One figure sits lower than the others, gazing up. One seems to be reciting. Is this meant to instruct or to signal status? Curator: Exactly! Consider that. In this era, education wasn't solely about the transfer of knowledge. It was equally about reinforcing social hierarchies, particularly within class and religious structures. The piece raises a fascinating question: Is this image advocating for accessible education or is it celebrating the established social order through this patronizing spectacle? What about the ornate border, do you think that might provide more insights? Editor: That's a great question. I see the frame almost as obscuring and prettying-up what looks like quite the blatant social power dynamic on display in the composition, here. So I agree with your view: there's a dialogue to be had between genuine education versus performative enforcement. Curator: Precisely. This drawing pushes us to interrogate not just what we see, but also what is being actively masked within the art of the Baroque era. Editor: I didn’t consider all that when I first looked at this drawing. Thank you.