Kinderlijke speelen 1806 - 1830

This is a print titled 'Children's Games' by Johan Noman, made at an unknown date. It presents a series of vignettes depicting children engaged in various forms of play. The image creates meaning by contrasting the innocence of childhood with the social structures of its time. Made in the Netherlands, these games reflect elements of Dutch culture, such as the importance of community and social interaction. Institutions such as family and school are subtly referenced through the children’s interactions, offering insights into the social norms and expectations placed upon the younger generation. Does the emphasis on play critique the increasing industrialization of Dutch society at the time? To gain a deeper understanding of Noman's work, historians delve into archives, exploring social histories and the artist’s biography. The meaning of the art becomes contingent on its intricate relationship with social and institutional contexts.