Durfal en Waaghals 1894 - 1959

This print titled 'Durfal en Waaghals' presents a series of mischievous scenes, likely created to reflect or shape societal expectations around childhood behavior. The images portray boys engaging in various pranks and misadventures, offering a glimpse into the perceived norms and boundaries of youthful conduct. Gender roles are subtly reinforced. One might ask, how do these depictions reflect the lived realities of children from different social classes? The print hints at the complexities of growing up, and societal judgements. The figures of authority and the boys are placed against each other, in these little snippets of life. The stories convey humor, but also the anxiety of breaking convention. These scenes, with all their implied dynamics, encourage us to reflect on the expectations placed upon children and how these expectations influence their understanding of identity and social roles. The emotional resonance of this print lies in its ability to make us consider who we were as children, who we are now, and how society shapes that journey.