Timmerman en zijn zoon 1867 - 1884

This engraving by an anonymous artist, titled "Timmerman en zijn zoon," presents a snapshot of 19th-century domestic life and moral instruction. In the scene, a tradesman and his son are surrounded by a series of illustrative wallpapers, each depicting scenes of daily life and moral lessons. The father, with his tools and work apron, assumes the role of educator, guiding his son through these visual narratives. It's hard to tell if this a tender scene of paternal engagement or an early form of patriarchal pressure. The very act of transforming domestic space into a site of pedagogy speaks volumes about the era's emphasis on shaping young minds within the confines of the home. The wallpaper, serving as both decoration and didactic tool, reflects the era's intertwined relationship between aesthetics and moral instruction. The images offer a window into the values and norms deemed essential for the young boy's upbringing. The image subtly hints at a hierarchical structure within the family, reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations. What do these scenes teach us about the societal norms of labour, family, and moral conduct of the time?