Kinderen c. 1895 - 1900

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet made this sketch called "Kinderen" in the Netherlands. This is a fairly loose drawing but it depicts two children in an embrace; a familiar scene that appears to express the innocence of childhood. However, the social and cultural context in which Cachet was working presents a more complex reading. At the turn of the century in Europe, childhood was increasingly seen as a distinct and important stage of life, and images of children became common. It might also hint at the rise of psychology and new ideas about child development. To understand the drawing better, we can look into the artistic institutions and social norms of the Netherlands at that time. Were there any specific art movements or social discussions about childhood that could have influenced Cachet? What was the public role of art at the time? By looking at these resources, we can better appreciate the relationship between art, society, and history.