Ziet kinderen tot vermaak gegeven, / Wilt steeds naar zuivere deugd en nutte leering streven 1806 - 1830

This print, made by Johan Noman sometime before 1833, is an intricate example of early 19th-century printmaking. The process begins with incising lines onto a metal plate, likely copper, which would have demanded considerable skill. Ink is then applied, filling these grooves, before being pressed onto paper. The resulting image presents a series of vignettes, each accompanied by a moralizing caption - so it's both visually engaging, and carrying an ethical message. The deliberate and careful labor involved in creating the matrix from which these images are printed speaks to the craft inherent in the printmaking process. It is a testament to a period when artistry and production were deeply intertwined, and when even mass-produced items bore the mark of individual skill and care. These prints could be reproduced multiple times, making them more accessible to a wider audience, and embedding these values into society. By appreciating this aspect of production, we gain a broader insight into the work's value, beyond mere aesthetics.