Eerste levensfase van tien jaar met spelende kinderen 1598 - 1602

Nicolaes de Bruyn created "Eerste levensfase van tien jaar met spelende kinderen," or "The First Stage of Life, Ten Years with Playing Children," using etching techniques. Made around the turn of the 17th century, this print reflects the societal emphasis on childhood as a distinct phase of life. Here, De Bruyn captures a vibrant scene of children at play, which serves as a tableau of early life in a European city. The games they engage in, from riding hobby horses to playing with hoops, are imbued with innocence. This image reinforces the social norms and expectations of children, emphasizing a separation from the adult world. The division can be interpreted as a cultural construct that seeks to define and confine the experiences of children. But the image also offers us a chance to reflect on our own memories of play, of freedom, and of the messy social interactions that shape us. It presents the viewer an opportunity to consider the cultural norms that shape perceptions of youth.