"Counting in their heads" - 1895 oil painting

[Pjwum]

I have to admit, I admired this wonderful piece of art more than diving into the mathematical task.

It reminds me very much of my old school days. Some of us strongly trying to have the first answer. Some staring at the board to find a smart solution (or pretending to do so). The desperated one. And always the same guys sucking up to the teacher. Ahh, the teacher! He seems to be ostentatiously relaxed, waiting patiently to grant every child a chance of success.

Did you notice the tonal scale beside the board. It is smaller but seems equally important. A balance of logic and arts.

Ok, but this is a calculator forum.