Man berispt kinderen en een geknielde man met peren 1796

"The Truants" is a mezzotint engraving created in 1796 by William Ward, a British artist known for his work in this medium. The engraving depicts a scene of two boys being scolded by a stern-looking man while another boy, kneeling with a basket of pears, awaits his punishment. The scene is likely set in a schoolroom, with bookshelves and a globe visible in the background. The work captures the moralistic sentiments of the time, highlighting the importance of discipline and education in shaping young minds. The contrasting postures of the figures, the use of light and shadow, and the detailed depiction of the setting contribute to the narrative and emotional impact of this classic engraving.