De ezel in school 1557

"De ezel in school" (The Donkey in School), a 1557 engraving by Pieter van der Heyden, depicts a chaotic classroom scene brimming with satire. The central figure, a schoolmaster, is surrounded by students, many engaged in ridiculous, nonsensical activities. A donkey, peeking in from the top, further emphasizes the folly of the situation. This engraving, housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the Dutch Renaissance's fascination with the absurd, challenging traditional societal norms and prompting viewers to consider the meaning of education. Keywords: Dutch Renaissance, satire, engraving, Pieter van der Heyden, Rijksmuseum, classroom, education, absurdity, folly.