Een deugniet 1876 - 1895

“Een Deugniet”, or “A Rascal” is an undated print by Albert Quantin which encapsulates late 19th century views on childhood and social expectations. This print offers a glimpse into the constructed world of boyhood. The cartoon-like scenes depict a young boy engaged in mischievous acts, like terrorizing animals and causing general mayhem. The narrative suggests a tension between the child's natural curiosity and the restrictive expectations of societal norms. The boy's interactions with animals reveal a dynamic of power and control. It reflects the era’s attitude toward the natural world and also perhaps toward those deemed ‘less civilized.’ The final scene showing the boy getting his hair cut, could reflect society’s attempt to ‘civilize’ or control the boy. The print invites us to reflect on the historical constructs of childhood and how they intersect with notions of class, gender, and societal control. It’s both humorous and unsettling. It reminds us that the images we create about ourselves are always implicated in social norms.