Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van twee kinderen met een Bijbel, met gedicht door J.J.L. ten Kate c. 1870 - 1890

This is a photograph of a painting of two children with a bible, accompanied by a poem by J.J.L. ten Kate. Notice the prominence of the book, likely a bible. It’s not merely an object but a potent symbol. The act of reading, especially sacred texts, carries profound cultural weight. It suggests piety, moral upbringing, and the transmission of values. In medieval art, books often signified wisdom and divine knowledge. Consider the depictions of saints or scholars engrossed in texts, a motif that recurs across centuries. This image taps into a reservoir of collective memory, resonating with our ingrained notions of learning and virtue. Yet, observe how the children engage with the book. There's an introspective quality, almost a dreamlike absorption. This isn't mere rote learning; it's an invitation into an inner world shaped by the narratives they encounter. Such imagery persists, evolving and adapting, its underlying emotional power undiminished. The symbol of the book takes on new layers, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.