Witje 1894 - 1959

Editor: So, this print, called "Witje" by Monogrammist G.J., dates between 1894 and 1959 and it's made using ink on paper. It reminds me of an old comic strip, all these little vignettes following the lives of these kids and their dog. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: I'm drawn to how "Witje" captures a certain idyllic vision of childhood. The scenes, depicting children at play and their relationship with the dog, construct a very specific narrative. Let’s think about the historical context. In what ways does this ideal childhood maybe uphold certain societal structures of the time? Consider class and gender dynamics within the images themselves, and the larger culture. Editor: That's interesting. I guess I hadn't thought about how curated these "everyday" scenes might be. I suppose the clothing, the well-kept landscapes—it speaks to a certain privilege. Curator: Exactly. And think about the potential power structures at play, maybe between the children, the dog, and even the adults subtly present. What assumptions are being made about the dog’s role? This could tell us a lot about historical attitudes towards animals. Editor: I see what you mean. It’s not just a cute comic. It reflects social norms of the era, and, perhaps even some less savory realities that may have been deemed perfectly acceptable back then. Curator: Precisely. By considering its historical moment and what is absent in the representation we can critically assess what societal narratives the work perpetuated, even unintentionally. This helps us draw a link between art history and today. Editor: That's given me a whole new way of seeing the print, now and its significance in its own time. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Critically engaging with art empowers us to examine ourselves and our history.