Een leraar speelt badminton met zijn leerling 1714

Bernard Picart created this print titled 'A Teacher Plays Badminton with his Student,' sometime between 1673 and 1733. This simple scene invites us to consider the relationship between leisure and learning during the Enlightenment. The image presents a relaxed tutor, clad in what appears to be a dressing gown, enjoying a game with his student in a well-appointed study. A dog lies at their feet. In the 18th century, education was a privilege largely reserved for wealthy men, and tutors were employed to instill not just knowledge but also social graces. Picart challenges the perception of the all-knowing teacher by portraying him at play, reminding us that education is more than rote learning. The print subtly critiques the rigid social structures of the time, suggesting that learning should be a joyous, humanizing experience, not just a means of maintaining class distinctions. The playful interaction hints at the potential for a more egalitarian form of education, one where both student and teacher find common ground.