De Jeugd wordt door de Tijd onderwezen 1677 - 1755

Curator: Here we have a work entitled "De Jeugd wordt door de Tijd onderwezen," translating to "Youth being taught by Time." The piece is credited to Elias van Nijmegen, likely created sometime between 1677 and 1755, rendered in watercolor. Editor: My immediate impression is of fragility and ephemerality. The washes of watercolor create a sense of translucence, making Time and Youth almost dreamlike figures. There’s a poignant stillness despite the implied action. Curator: I agree about the dreamlike quality. Formally, consider how the artist employs line; it's delicate yet precise, defining the figures while still allowing the watercolor to bleed and blend. The limited palette further enhances this ethereal effect. I’m thinking specifically of the parallel lines describing the angel's wings; a marvel! Editor: Let's talk context. The allegorical theme was prominent during this era, particularly within academic settings. Was Van Nijmegen addressing concerns about the education and moral development of young people, given the prevailing socio-political currents? Or maybe speaking to something specific happening with artistic instruction during the Dutch golden age and slightly thereafter. Curator: It's very probable. What's significant is not merely the subject, but also the pictorial structure. The youthful figure, hunched over studies is juxtaposed against the verticality and height of the allegorical figure of Time and suggests ideas relating to duration and direction within temporal structures. Editor: Absolutely. And seeing this kind of piece helps us see how ideas of "good" citizenship were disseminated in that era, specifically concerning the management and importance of time in relation to intellectual pursuits. How public was his work at this period? I wonder, could this have been commissioned by someone looking for instructive guides? Curator: Without that context we would merely have an intriguing configuration of figures! Well put! Editor: Yes. That relationship underscores a constant renegotiation of ideas through art. This was great!