Twee leerlingen in de tekenschool 1895

Auguste Danse made this print, "Two Students in the Drawing School," in 1896, using etching. Here, we see two young men diligently working at their easels. Art academies were a key part of 19th-century artistic culture. They provided structured training, often emphasizing classical techniques and adherence to established norms. In Belgium, as elsewhere in Europe, these institutions played a crucial role in shaping artistic careers. Looking at the image, we might consider the institutional values being instilled in these young artists. Are they being encouraged to innovate, or to replicate established styles? The very act of depicting students in this setting suggests an endorsement of the academy's importance. To fully understand this work, we might delve into the history of art education in Belgium. Examining the curricula, the instructors, and the debates surrounding artistic training would shed light on the social and institutional context in which this print was made.