There is very little information available about this artist, Carl Hertel (1837-1905). The painting is chosen for its excellent people-watching potential and its humorous approach.
A Geography lesson is in progress, which at this time was considered vital in Prussian schools. Such was the emphasis placed on it, that some commentators say it contributed to the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian war of 1871, Geography lessons are said to have rocketed up the French curriculum after this date!