Vijf kinderen in een kerkbank 1879

Antonio Piccinni created this small etching of five children in a church pew sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Religious institutions during this time often reinforced social hierarchies, and how people experienced and internalized these structures depended on their identity and position in society. Here we see the children are physically confined within the rigid structure of the pew, yet they also find ways to express their individuality. The children at the front are smartly dressed, possibly indicating a higher social status than the child standing at the back. Their clothing is rendered in considerable detail, emphasizing the texture and form of the fabrics. While the children may share a common space, they each inhabit it differently, reflective of their unique perspectives and places within the social order. The etching captures a quiet, introspective moment, laden with social and cultural significance, reflecting the artist's personal experiences and beliefs.