Vijf scènes met jongens en mannen before 1894

Willem Wenckebach made this collection of sketches titled "Vijf scènes met jongens en mannen" using pen in the late 19th century. Wenckebach’s sketches capture intimate moments in the lives of young men and boys at a time when the roles of men and women were strictly defined. In the top left sketch, we see two older gentlemen seeking advice. Then our gaze is drawn to images of boys at school, reading letters, and playing by the sea. What does it mean to witness these everyday activities? What feelings do these images evoke? Wenckebach, working in a time of evolving social norms, encourages us to consider the emotional landscape of young men. The sketches serve as a reminder of the varied experiences that shape our identities.