Zie op deze print, ô lieve jeugd, / Een kleine schets van kermis vreugd. / Foire et kermesse font plaisir, / Alors on peut se réjouir 1851 - 1880

This print, made by J.A. Aldag, offers a glimpse into the festive world of the kermis, or fair, a popular form of public entertainment. These scenes reflect not just leisure, but the social dynamics of the time. Consider how class distinctions might play out in these settings. Who has access to the various entertainments? How are different social groups represented, and what does this tell us about the values and norms of the period? The Dutch and French inscriptions remind us of the cultural context of the Netherlands, and how the artwork brings languages and identities together. Do these images offer a straightforward reflection of reality, or do they also present an idealized or perhaps even critical view of society? How might the experience of attending a kermis differ depending on one's age, gender, or social standing? Ultimately, this print invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between leisure, identity, and social structure.