De roode kleur 1876 - 1895

Ducourtioux & Huillard made "De roode kleur," or "The Red Colour," a print that gives us a glimpse into childhood and societal expectations. This artwork visualizes a child's exploration of color, specifically the disruptive force of the color red. What does it mean to associate a certain color with childhood misbehavior? Here, childhood seems to exist outside the bounds of parental approval, where the child, a young boy, indulges in the freedom to paint whatever he pleases red—a pet, an aquarium, clothing. The red becomes a symbol of the child’s innocent yet transgressive exploration of his environment, contrasting sharply with the formal attire of his parents. Consider how the red paint also acts as a metaphor for passion and disobedience. The child, covered in red, stands in stark contrast to the portraits of stern-looking ancestors, suggesting a break from tradition. This image speaks to the emotional landscape of childhood, where curiosity often clashes with societal norms.