Zomers buiten 1903 - 1919

Arie Willem Segboer created this print titled "Zomers buiten," which translates to "Summer Outdoors," using lithography. We’re invited into a world that idealizes childhood and rural life, yet it subtly reflects the rigid social structures of its time. Notice how the scenes are carefully composed to portray different facets of childhood. On the one hand we see privileged children reading on a swing. On the other, there’s a more humble scene of children doing laundry by the water. This contrast quietly acknowledges the class distinctions inherent in the era. The prominence of labor in these depictions connects to larger discussions around industrialization and the changing roles of children in society. This work evokes a certain nostalgia and prompts us to consider the different realities of childhood, shaped by social and economic circumstances. Segboer’s illustration becomes a mirror reflecting not just the innocence of youth, but the complex realities of life that children navigate.