Nine Small Boys 1646 - 1654

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print, Nine Small Boys, in the 17th century, a period marked by both religious conflict and burgeoning scientific inquiry. Here, Hollar offers us a glimpse into the allegorical world of childhood and the arts, rendered through the visual language of his time. We see plump, nude children, their innocence idealized in the artistic conventions of the era. The image subtly reflects societal norms around childhood, where children were often seen as symbols of purity and potential, yet also subject to the constraints and expectations of the adult world. Hollar was a skilled printmaker who lived through the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War. His experience as a refugee likely shaped his perspectives, making this image of playful innocence all the more poignant. The artist uses the motif of children to evoke a sense of timelessness and hope. Ultimately, this print invites us to consider the complex interplay between personal experience, artistic tradition, and the social values that shape our understanding of identity and innocence.