Les in de tekenschool 1895

Auguste Danse made this print, "Les in de tekenschool," using etching. It depicts a drawing class, likely in Belgium, where Danse lived, during the late 19th century. The setting may seem simple, but it reflects significant shifts in art education at the time. Formal art training became increasingly institutionalized, shaping artistic norms and practices. Observe how the students are arranged uniformly, suggesting a structured, disciplined approach to learning art. Consider the role of art schools in democratizing artistic training versus reinforcing social hierarchies and class distinctions. What kind of student would have been able to access such education at that time? To understand this print fully, research on the history of art education, the curriculum of drawing schools, and the social background of artists in 19th-century Belgium would provide valuable insights. These elements reveal how art is always embedded in its social and institutional context.