Kinderen schenken geld aan monniken 1879

Adolphe Gusman created this print, entitled 'Children Giving Money to Monks', in the 19th century. It depicts a scene where children are donating to monks, with wealthier adults watching on. What social dynamics are at play here? The image provides insight into the charitable institutions of the time. We see an idealization of childhood innocence being directed by the church, and implicitly endorsed by the upper classes. The act of children donating could signify the importance of religious institutions in shaping moral values from a young age. It is also interesting to note how the social hierarchy is on display. The rich are on one side of the image, literally above the monks and children. The children, who are giving away money, are in the middle, visually binding the classes together. To fully grasp the meaning of this print, one could delve into records of religious charities and social welfare during the 1800s. Only by understanding the social and institutional context, we can truly appreciate the complex dialogue this artwork is having with its contemporary moment.