Onderwijzeres met kinderen in de klas 1734 - 1774

A.J. Defehrt created this print titled 'Onderwijzeres met kinderen in de klas,' which translates to 'Schoolmistress with children in the classroom,' sometime between 1723 and 1774. This artwork provides a glimpse into the gendered dynamics of education during the 18th century, where women often played a central role in primary education, particularly for young children. We see a woman, presumably the schoolmistress, instructing a group of children. The setting appears to be a modest domestic interior, suggesting that education was often conducted within the confines of the home rather than formal school buildings. The limited resources and intimate setting speak volumes about the accessibility and nature of education at the time. The children themselves represent a range of ages, reflecting perhaps different levels of educational attainment or social backgrounds. The artist captures a sense of both attentiveness and restlessness among the students, hinting at the challenges and rewards of teaching.