Verlustig u o jeugd! deez' natiën te bekijken, / Elk heeft zijn eigen roem, zijn eigen levensaard, / 't karakter van den Brit, zal nooit geen Turk gelijken, / De Nederlander wijkt zeer ver van den Spanjaard 1828 - 1853

This print, made by Broese & Comp., presents a series of figures, each representing a different nationality. It's a fascinating object because it’s made with the relatively democratic medium of printmaking. The work’s visual appearance is directly influenced by the printing process. The lines are clear and precise, yet there’s a certain flatness to the figures. The printmakers would have likely used an etching or engraving technique, meticulously carving the design into a metal plate. The evenness of the ink suggests a consistent pressure applied during the printing process, indicative of careful labor. This print is deeply embedded in the social context of its time, reflecting a growing interest in national identity and character. It also speaks to the burgeoning print culture, where images and ideas were increasingly disseminated to a wider audience. Ultimately, understanding the materials, the making process, and the social context allows us to see this print not just as a series of national stereotypes, but as a product of its time. It is an object that reflects the labor, the technology, and the cultural values of its creation.