Meisjes-spelen 1875 - 1903

Here we see Jan de Haan’s “Meisjes-spelen”, a Dutch print presenting a collection of vignettes that capture girls at play. The composition is neatly structured into a grid, each square a window into different worlds of childhood activity. The scenes vary: girls toss balls, play with dolls, swing, and engage in other games. What is striking is the orchestration of each scene within its frame. De Haan uses color to differentiate the activities, yet there's a uniformity in the light, airy brushstrokes that tie the collection together. The use of perspective is carefully managed, giving depth without overwhelming the small scale of the figures. The arrangement may evoke a sense of the structured roles imposed by society, even in childhood. The games, though playful, are confined within their designated squares. Note how the artist balances spontaneity with control, reflecting broader cultural attitudes towards childhood and play. It reminds us that even representations of leisure are imbued with ideology.