Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van een kind dat thuiskomt van een leesles door Arvid Liljelund before 1879

This photogravure, made by Johannes Jaeger, reproduces Arvid Liljelund’s painting of a child returning home from a reading lesson. Considering that this image appears in a book, it’s easy to imagine how widely painting was used as an educational and storytelling medium for children in the 19th century. The scene depicts a child, presumably a boy, in what appears to be a modest home surrounded by his family. He seems to be the center of attention, perhaps indicating the value placed on education and literacy during this time. The presence of women and children suggests the domestic sphere, a traditional space for nurturing and learning. This artwork provides a glimpse into the era’s social values, gender roles, and the importance of education within the family.