Master Schaum 1808 - 1810

Jacob Eichholtz painted this oil on panel portrait, 'Master Schaum,' sometime in the early 19th century. The image of a child holding a hammer is striking. The accoutrements of adulthood were, at the time, commonly employed as symbols of status for children of wealthy families. The portrait makes visible assumptions about the child's future. Is it likely that 'Master Schaum' would ever need to use a hammer in earnest? Probably not. More likely, the artist intended to suggest that this child would grow to be a builder, a creator, or a man of industry. To understand this work more fully, we might look at portraits of children from the period. The painting’s significance lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its subtle commentary on social expectations. Such work helps us understand how the social role of art and cultural institutions shape our understanding of the world around us.