Jongen op een stoel 1888

Auguste Danse created this etching titled ‘Boy in a Chair’ in the late 19th century. Danse was a Belgian artist born in a period of significant social change across Europe, including shifting ideas around childhood and representation. The image captures a young boy in a moment of repose, almost of languor, seated in an overstuffed chair. His posture and attire – the boots, kilt, and loose-fitting smock – suggest a staged presentation, yet there’s an undeniable vulnerability in his gaze and posture. The crumpled paper by his feet introduces a narrative element. Was he writing? Drawing? And what might that activity reveal about his interior world? This piece offers us a glimpse into the complex dynamics of childhood, class, and representation in 19th century Europe. It’s a moment suspended, inviting us to reflect on how we see and value the experiences of young people.