Diefstal en een ziek kind 1820 - 1865

Friedrich Gustav Schulz created this print, titled 'Theft and a Sick Child,' using etching and possibly some hand-coloring, although the date is unknown. The print is divided into two distinct scenes, each offering a glimpse into different aspects of 19th-century social life. The upper scene depicts theft, with a thief being surveilled. The lower scene portrays a sick child being transported, possibly for care. This juxtaposition invites us to consider the social conditions that might lead to theft alongside the vulnerabilities of the sick, particularly children. Made in Stuttgart, Germany, this print reflects a moment of social commentary. To understand its place within the cultural landscape, we might examine popular literature, criminal statistics, and public health records. By exploring these sources, we can uncover the values, anxieties, and debates of the time, and the role played by artists like Schulz.