Groeien van het menselijk verstand 1765 - 1806

"Groeien van het menselijk verstand" (Growth of the human mind) is a four-panel etching by Johann David (I) Schleuen dating back to 1765-1806. It depicts various scenes of learning and growth, such as men handling horses, observing nature, teaching children, and cultivating plants. Schleuen, a German artist known for his intricate detail, utilizes a combination of realism and symbolism to convey the stages of human development. The piece, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into 18th-century educational philosophies and the value placed on intellectual development and connection with the natural world.