Children playing in a Stable 1675

Johann Heinrich Roos painted ‘Children Playing in a Stable’ in the 17th century. The social status of children has changed dramatically since Roos’ time, so this seemingly simple scene offers us a window into a different world. Back then, in the German lands, childhood was less carefree. Children from poorer backgrounds were expected to contribute to the household income from a young age. Stable scenes were popular in art, evoking rural life, but Roos brings a new dimension by including children at play. The ruined architecture may speak of a glorious classical past, while the children's games hint at a more chaotic present. Perhaps Roos is commenting on the lives of the laboring classes, or even critiquing the grand traditions of landscape painting. To understand this painting better, we might consult social histories of 17th-century Germany, studies of childhood in art, or even records from charitable institutions of the period. These resources can help us to understand the social context from which it emerged and the possible meanings it held for its original viewers.