Het buitenleven 1875 - 1903

This color print titled 'Het buitenleven', or 'The Outdoor Life', was created by Jan de Haan, and offers us a glimpse into the idyllic world of childhood in the Netherlands. Divided into four scenes, the print presents snapshots of children interacting with nature and animals, each accompanied by a short verse. These scenes reflect the values and ideals of the time, emphasizing the importance of innocence, play, and connection with the natural world. Yet, they also reveal a structured social hierarchy where childhood is carefully managed and innocence is clearly gendered. Notice the contrasting depiction of children's activities: some are gently observing birds, while others are struggling to control a donkey. These moments capture the complex ways in which children's experiences are shaped by both freedom and constraint. The print evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, yet it also invites us to reflect on the ways in which childhood is constructed and experienced differently across time and cultures. In doing so, it highlights the emotional and personal dimensions of growing up, and the societal forces that shape our understanding of innocence, freedom, and belonging.