Hier wordt u, ô jeugd! gegeven, Tetjeroen zyn kluchtig leven 1842 - 1866

This print, titled 'Here is given to you, oh youth! Terjeroen's merry life', was created by the widow C. Kok-van Kolm. Published in Amsterdam, it offers us a glimpse into the moral and social values of the time. The print presents a series of vignettes depicting scenes from daily life, each accompanied by a moralizing caption. The scenes range from children playing to adults engaged in trade and commerce. While seemingly innocuous, the print reflects the era’s emphasis on education and the shaping of young minds. The scenes serve as lessons, imparting values of diligence, honesty, and social responsibility. It is interesting to note the role of women like Kok-van Kolm in disseminating these values. This work reminds us that art has always been entwined with the project of shaping societal norms and individual behavior. It encourages us to reflect on how these narratives can be consciously and unconsciously absorbed.