Les van de schoolmeester 1802 - 1883

This drawing, "Les van de schoolmeester" or "The Schoolmaster's Lesson," was created by Ferdinand de Braekeleer, a Belgian artist, sometime in the 19th century. It offers a glimpse into a humble classroom setting. De Braekeleer, working in Belgium, likely aimed to capture a realistic scene of everyday life. Consider the social conditions of the time: public education was developing, but access was uneven. How did class and location affect who received schooling? The drawing itself is a valuable historical document. By researching school archives, census records, and period literature, we can flesh out the social and institutional history behind this image. What teaching methods were used? What was the curriculum? Ultimately, understanding the social and institutional context of this drawing enriches our appreciation of its artistic value.