Meisje met beer zittend in een houten kist c. 1900 - 1940

C. Goes created this small print, titled "Meisje met beer zittend in een houten kist," which translates to “Girl with bear sitting in a wooden box,” and it presents us with an intimate moment frozen in time. Despite the title referring to a girl, the child appears androgynous, challenging traditional gender norms from the outset. The box looms large, acting both as a play space and a symbol of containment. The child’s direct gaze meets ours, engaging us in their world, as they stand on the threshold of childhood and self-discovery. The inclusion of the teddy bear is poignant, representing comfort and companionship during a time when children’s voices and experiences were often unheard. The print invites us to consider the emotional landscape of childhood and the power of imagination in navigating societal constraints. We are left contemplating the narratives we construct around identity and belonging.