Kindervreugd / of plaatjes voor kleine teekenaars en prentevriendjes; door R. G. Rijkens 1808 - 1844

Jan Oomkens of Groningen created this print titled 'Kindervreugd' around the turn of the 19th century to be used by young artists to practice their skills. Each image has an associated poem to be read alongside it. We see in this print the rise of popular education and the moralising function of art. The emphasis on children shows the values of the Dutch enlightenment with their interest in education. The Dutch economy was in decline at this time, but there was still a wealthy middle class with disposable income and a desire to educate their children. Although ostensibly for children, the print also reflects the politics of imagery. The image of the town, for instance, reflects a pride in the Dutch Republic. The images of domesticity suggest the importance of the family in the formation of the nation. To understand these images better, one might consult archives of popular literature, books of poetry and early educational textbooks. Approaching them with a knowledge of social and institutional context allows us to understand the crucial public role of art.