The First Day of School — Jean Baptiste Vanmour

Jean Baptiste Vanmour. Painted c. 1720 - c. 1737.

A mother, accompanied by a group of women, brings her daughter to school for the first time. That the women are Turkish can be seen from their colourful clothing and the yellow slippers that only Muslims could wear, according to sumptuary laws (dress codes). A servant carries the girl’s embroidery frame. Needlework was a favourite pastime of women in affluent Turkish circles. Women held in slavery did the household chores.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in At the Ottoman court, 18th Century, Main building.

oil paint (paint), canvas · Original size: 53 × 38.5 cm

Print: 53 × 38.5 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200108066. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.