Jongen van opzij gezien 1820 - 1830

Jean Augustin Daiwaille made this lithograph, "Boy, Seen From the Side," sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, making art more accessible to a broader public. This portrait of a young boy is interesting when considered in the context of 19th-century Dutch society, which was highly structured and socially stratified. The boy's slightly averted gaze and the meticulous detail given to his hair and clothing suggest a level of self-awareness and social conditioning unusual for someone of his age. What was the role of art in shaping perceptions of youth and innocence? Was it a reflection of changing attitudes towards childhood, or did it contribute to those changes? By examining the historical context, we can better understand the cultural values and beliefs that shaped the production and reception of this work. Accessing historical archives, journals and even family records can give us additional clues.