Lezend meisje 1867 - 1874

This print of a reading girl was made by Jan Mesker in the Netherlands, sometime in the late nineteenth century. It presents us with an intriguing view into the social and cultural life of the Dutch middle classes during this period. The image subtly evokes a sense of quiet domesticity and intellectual pursuit. It is easy to imagine the cultural values that celebrated education and the private sphere of the home. The girl's engagement with her book suggests a certain level of literacy and access to knowledge, reflecting the increasing importance placed on education. The visual codes here are very interesting from a historical perspective, especially if we delve into the social history of Dutch society during this time. Perhaps we can use archives of school records, family letters, and other documents from the period to provide deeper insights into the cultural context of this artwork.