In den regentijd 1881

"In den Regentijd" is a print by De Ruyter & Meijer, whose dates are unknown. This illustrated sheet shows a series of vignettes depicting children's activities during a rainy day. The series provides a window into the cultural values and social expectations of childhood. Gender roles are subtly reinforced, with girls shown indoors engaged in domestic activities, while boys are depicted in more adventurous outdoor play. There is an emotional cadence as the children navigate disappointment, adaptation, and simple joys of indoor activities such as reading and playing with dolls. Note the poem accompanying each vignette; they provide a narrative to each scene. The print shapes childhood as a time of learning and moral development while subtly reinforcing societal norms through each child's actions. It also emphasizes how children emotionally and psychologically process their surroundings in a way that is accessible to people of all ages.