Meisjes en jongen bij offerbus 1857

Franciscus Bernardus Waanders created this print, "Girls and Boy at Collection Box", sometime in the 19th century. It offers a glimpse into the intricate relationships between faith, charity, and social identity during this period. Waanders invites us to consider the roles assigned to young people, particularly girls, in the performance of religious devotion and community support. Notice the girls' traditional clothing and demure posture, which signal their participation in a specific cultural and religious framework. This image raises questions about the expectations placed upon them to embody piety and contribute to the church's mission. Meanwhile, a boy reaches for the collection box. What does it mean to witness these children engaging in acts of giving? How does this image speak to the emotional experience of participating in religious traditions, and what does it tell us about the intersection of faith, gender, and social class in 19th-century Dutch society?