An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
The First Day of School, Jean Baptiste Vanmour, c. 1720 - c. 1737h 38.5cm × w 53cm × w 2.6kg
Jean Baptiste Vanmour
oil on canvas
On a bright morning, filled with gentle sunlight, a mother and her daughter stepped onto a path that thrummed with the excitement of new beginnings. It was the little girl’s first day of school, a milestone bright with anticipation and hope. The mother, adorned in light fabric that danced softly around her as she walked, radiated warmth and love, her heart swelling with pride.
Behind them trailed a vibrant entourage of women, each draped in the rich colors typical of Turkish attire. Their dresses shimmered like the petals of spring flowers, and from their feet, yellow shoes peeked out, a joyful contrast against the earth beneath them. It was a tableau alive with sisterhood, a testament to their shared heritage and strength.
As they approached the school’s entrance, a servant followed closely, cradling an ornate embroidery frame, the very same that had captured the girl’s imagination many evenings at home. Within the wealthier circles of Turkish society, handicraft was not merely a pastime; it was a cherished art, passed down through generations, tightly woven into the fabric of their lives. The frame held potential – the delicate threads would soon come together to create something beautiful.
The hum of daily life surrounded them. As the mother exchanged quiet smiles and soft words with the women who stood with her, there was an unspoken understanding among them. They were not just individuals; they were a community, sharing a path lined with traditions, laughter, and the whispers of a thousand stories waiting to be told. In the background, the distant sounds of household chores reminded everyone of their roots, of roles played both willingly and otherwise, giving shape to the lives they had chosen and inherited.
Together, they ventured into the future – a mother, a daughter, and a sisterhood of vibrant colors and rich traditions, each step echoing the promise of education, artistry, and unwavering support.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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