Van alle het zoete jeugd / hoe prijslijk dat hier is de deugd [(...)] 1725 - 1780

This print, "Van alle het zoete jeugd," was made by Johannes Kannewet in Amsterdam. Its allegorical figures, coupled with its textual component, suggest a society grappling with the concept of virtue. Consider the work's context, a time when the Dutch Republic was establishing itself as a global hub of commerce and culture. This burgeoning capitalism brought new social complexities. Kannewet’s print engages directly with these complexities, proposing virtue as a guiding principle amidst the temptations of wealth and trade. By invoking classical and Christian iconography, Kannewet participates in a broader cultural conversation about the relationship between the individual, morality, and society. The presence of text alongside each image underscores the importance of literacy and learning in cultivating virtue. To fully appreciate the implications of this print, one might delve into the printmaking industry of 17th-century Amsterdam, exploring its role in disseminating ideas and shaping public opinion. The image creates a space for us to reflect critically on what it means to live a virtuous life.