Kinderspelen 1850

Curator: So, here we have "Kinderspelen," or "Children's Games," an engraving from 1850 by Jan Schuitemaker. It looks like a page from a children's magazine, filled with different scenes of kids playing. The style feels a bit formal, but there's a charm to seeing what pastimes entertained children long ago. What strikes you about it? Editor: I love the variety of games shown! It's like a historical snapshot of childhood. I’m curious – were these games particularly popular at the time, or do they reflect broader cultural values? Curator: I suspect they are a mix. Some, like stilt-walking, archery, and hopscotch, are timeless and universal, speaking to a child’s natural inclination toward challenge, competition, and imaginative play. Games like "Ganzenbord" – which I think means "Game of the Goose" – played indoors, probably point to domestic values and family entertainment. Look how serious everyone seems. It is as if playing the game is more important than winning. Does it trigger any memories from your own childhood? Editor: That makes a lot of sense. It’s funny, my first thought was about how simple these games seem compared to today’s video games, but seeing them in this cultural context makes me appreciate their charm more. Curator: Absolutely. And maybe there's a lesson there about finding joy in simplicity. The engraving also reflects the rise of Romanticism, that values emotionality and that finds beauty in everyday moments. These small moments add up to create an idyllic portrait. Editor: That’s a great point – the connection to Romanticism. I went in expecting something straightforward, but I leave seeing much more depth. Thank you. Curator: Likewise. It is always amazing what details reveal themselves the more you ponder a work of art.