Vermakelyke kinderspelen 1833 - 1856

This print titled, "Vermakelyke kinderspelen," was created by Glenisson & Van Genechten. It presents a grid of scenes depicting children at play. The scenes are simple and somewhat repetitive in form, composed of similar lines and shapes. The structural arrangement invites us to consider how these individual scenarios collectively define childhood. Each box is its own system, a microcosm of youthful activity. The use of color is minimal, yet strategic: the splashes of green and brown serve to highlight certain elements, drawing our attention to the figures and grounding them within their environments. The print destabilizes the notion of childhood as a singular experience, instead presenting it as a series of fragmented moments. The formal qualities of the artwork—its grid structure, repetitive imagery, and limited palette—function to challenge fixed notions of what it means to be a child. Ultimately, this work serves as a reminder that art is an ongoing dialogue, open to interpretation and re-evaluation across time.