De Zwitsersche reis 1876 - 1895

Ducourtioux and Huillard created this print, “De Zwitsersche Reis”, which translates to "The Swiss Journey," using lithography to tell a story. It presents scenes of a family vacationing in Switzerland, capturing moments from packing and traveling to sightseeing. The artwork creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references, reflecting leisure and education for children of a certain social class. Its origins are found in a time when travel became increasingly accessible to the middle class in Europe. Cultural attitudes toward childhood and education are also at play here. The emphasis on outdoor activities and experiencing nature reflects a progressive approach to education. Understanding art means considering its social and institutional context. To better understand the print, we might research the history of tourism, educational reforms, and the rise of children’s literature and imagery in nineteenth-century Europe. We can see it as a reflection of its time, mirroring the values, aspirations, and social changes that defined the era.