Titelpagina voor: J. Hazeu, Historie der omwentelingen in vaderlandsche gesprekken voor kinderen, 1796 1794 - 1796

This etching from 1796 by Theodoor Koning, intended as a title page, offers a glimpse into the revolutionary fervor sweeping through Europe. In the print, a woman, possibly representing enlightenment, sits with an open book, a quill in hand, surrounded by children eager to learn. But it’s the discarded tools at the bottom - the scythe and books – that hint at a society in upheaval. The Dutch Republic was in turmoil at the time and dealing with concepts of national identity and citizenship. Koning positions education as a means of societal transformation. The image reflects the shifting gender roles and the burgeoning emphasis on civic education during this period. The contrast between the enlightened woman and the children hints at the era's complex negotiations between tradition and progress. It invites us to consider how knowledge shapes not only individual minds, but also the course of history.