Kinder bei der Gartenarbeit c. 1872 - 1874

Otto Scholderer created this unnamed drawing, now known as "Children Gardening," likely in the late 19th century. It reflects the era's growing interest in childhood as a distinct phase of life. The artwork features a boy diligently pulling a wheelbarrow full of potted plants, while a girl tends to the garden with a watering can. These children, neatly dressed, hint at a middle-class upbringing. Consider the gendered division of labor depicted: the boy performs the heavier task, the girl gently nurtures. The idyllic garden setting evokes the values of hard work and closeness to nature that were idealized during this period. Yet, the image also prompts us to reflect on the realities of childhood in a rapidly industrializing society, where not all children had the luxury of such leisurely activities. "Children Gardening" is more than just a charming scene, it's a window into a specific time and place, revealing both its aspirations and its contradictions.