The Pleasures of Education
Artist/Culture
Louis-Marin Bonnet
(French, 1736–1793)
Date1777
MediumPastel manner engraving with gold leaf on cream laid paper
DimensionsSheet: 31.3 x 24.3 cm
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number1926.1280
Label TextThe Pleasures of Education epitomizes an eighteenth- century perception of women as child-like and naïve. Dogs were a popular symbol of fidelity, affection, loyalty, and obedience. These qualities were also demanded of a virtuous woman. Considered too easily corrupted, a woman’s education concentrated on her role as a moral guide for her future children—and pets. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the era’s major voice of educational reform, discouraged any instruction of women outside the home. He wrote, “[A woman’s] life does not permit her to choose to devote herself to any talent at the price of her duties.”
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