Jongen werkend aan een schooltafel c. 1895

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet created this pencil drawing, "Jongen werkend aan een schooltafel", which translates to "Boy working at a school desk", to capture a moment of quiet concentration. Cachet lived through a period of immense social change, marked by the rise of industrialization and shifts in class structures. This drawing provides us with a window into the world of labor and childhood. The boy, dressed in what appears to be a uniform, is seen diligently working at his desk, possibly doing homework or some other task assigned to him. The simplicity of the drawing underscores the daily life of the young boy, and perhaps comments on the expectations placed upon him from an early age. Cachet’s attention to detail, particularly in the boy's posture and focused expression, invites viewers to consider the realities of young people's lives during this time. It prompts reflection on the role of education and work in shaping young identities. The sketch invites us to empathize with the boy, acknowledging the intersection of youth, labor, and identity.