Reclamekaart voor tekenlessen door R.W.P. de Vries Jr. 1884 - 1952

This is a promotional card for drawing lessons by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries Jr. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, art education was becoming more accessible, and this card reflects a growing interest in democratizing artistic skills. The design is simple, yet elegant, hinting at the refined skills one might acquire through the course. But, it also raises questions about access and privilege. Who was this course aimed at? Was it accessible to all social classes, or was it another form of cultural capital for the elite? The very act of advertising art lessons suggests an attempt to broaden the appeal of art. The card invites us to reflect on how education shapes identities and opportunities, and how cultural pursuits like drawing are intertwined with social structures. It reminds us that even seemingly benign objects can reveal deeper stories about society, class, and the democratization of culture.