Letters W, V en T 1829 - 1880

This print, "Letters W, V en T," was made by Joseph Scholz of Mainz. Although undated, we can surmise that the print was made sometime in the first half of the 19th century in Germany. Prints like this reflect a growing interest in education and literacy amongst the middle classes. Each image in the top two quadrants depicts a scene beginning with the letters “W” and “V”. Note that the image depicts authority figures pursuing subordinates and perhaps even criminals, which may be read as a commentary on the social hierarchy of the period. The bottom left quadrant is labelled “Büchlinge” or fugitives and the bottom center is labelled “Tüchtlingen”, or convicts, referencing the state’s power to punish those who transgress its laws. Examining the institutions of the time and the social conditions that existed when this artwork was created helps us to better understand the artist’s message.