Als gij, lieve kleinen, deez' prent hebt gelezen, / En welligt verlangend naar and'ren mogt wezen, / Haal dan uwe ouders of vriendenmaar aan, / Er zijn er nog meer die u aan zullen staan 1827 - 1894

Editor: This print, created sometime between 1827 and 1894 by M. Hemeleers-van Houter, is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The long Dutch title translates to a little poem about picture books and reading with your parents. The print itself is composed of eight small vignettes of domestic scenes, all rendered in delicate lines and gentle colours. I’m really drawn to its intimate, almost naive style. What stands out to you about this work? Curator: You know, it strikes me as a sort of illustrated storybook page torn from its binding, a playful glimpse into 19th-century domestic life, perhaps even instructional, aimed at children. Can’t you just imagine it tucked into a young reader's hands? I'm immediately caught by the tiny dramas unfolding in each scene, each framed room a stage set. And those colors! Don’t you find their pastel hues strangely comforting, like faded memories? Makes you wonder what stories they are telling. Editor: Yes, I think there is certainly a sentimental atmosphere about it! Curator: Right? And yet, there’s a quirkiness too, isn’t there? Something a little off-kilter in the perspective, a delightful awkwardness in the figures... Makes it more engaging, more alive. Perhaps it's that touch of the imperfect that truly speaks to the human condition... Do you get that? Editor: I think so. This piece really reminds me that art doesn't always need to be grandiose to be impactful. Curator: Exactly! A quiet whisper can be as powerful as a shout. So beautifully put, so well felt!