Zoo leert historie prent en blaan / Der vadren deugd en grootsch bestaan. / Hunne offers 't vaderland gebracht, / Bewondert nog het nageslacht 1806 - 1830

This print, made around the turn of the 19th century by Gerrit Oortman, presents a series of vignettes using line engraving, likely on a copper plate. The crisp, precise lines, all achieved through physical pressure, demanded considerable skill. Each line was carefully etched into the metal, then inked and transferred to paper. This was a labor-intensive process, far removed from the immediacy of drawing or painting. The uniformity and repeatability afforded by printmaking allowed for a wider distribution of imagery, and were thus closely linked to the rise of mass media, and a corresponding need to instruct and shape public opinion. The scenes depicted showcase historical narratives, patriotic virtues, and moral lessons, all neatly packaged for consumption. This print wasn't just an aesthetic object; it was a tool for shaping civic identity, reminding us that even seemingly simple images can be deeply embedded in social and political contexts. It shows us how categories like "art" and "craft" were strategically deployed to create a coherent worldview.