Writing School c. 18th century

Editor: This is Quentin Pierre Chedel's "Writing School," an engraving from the 18th century. It’s a pretty busy scene, but I'm drawn to the figure of the teacher. What do you make of the symbolism at play here? Curator: Note how the light seems to emanate from the teacher's desk, illuminating the act of learning itself. Consider what the quill represents - the power of language, the transmission of knowledge, and societal order. Does this not evoke a certain reverence for education? Editor: I hadn't thought about the light like that. So, it’s not just a classroom, but a symbol of enlightenment? Curator: Precisely! And the children, each face a study in concentration, are vessels waiting to be filled with that light. How might this image have resonated within the societal context of its time? Editor: It makes you wonder about the accessibility of education then, and how this image might have served as both a celebration and perhaps a commentary on social mobility. Curator: Indeed. The layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple scene reveal much about the values and aspirations of the era.