Dez' Bybel-prent kan u, o jeugd, al spelend toonen, / hoe God in 't oud-verbund reeds by zyn volk blyft woonen 1842 - 1856

This undated broadside, made by Delhuvenne & Co. in Wellens, is printed on paper and depicts scenes from the Old Testament. The printmaking process itself, likely woodcut or engraving, emphasizes clear lines and simplified forms. The addition of watercolor washes adds visual interest, though the effect is rudimentary. These techniques speak to a world of relatively inexpensive, mass-produced images intended for a broad audience. The choice of a religious subject speaks to the moralizing function of such prints. The image’s value lies not in its aesthetic refinement but rather in its accessibility. Consider the labor involved: from the artisan who carved the block to the printer and the colorist, each contributing to a final product designed for wide dissemination. The very process of its making imbues it with social significance, reflecting the democratization of images and ideas. This piece challenges any strict division between fine art and the printed ephemera of everyday life.