Van al de letters, op de letterlyst gesteld, / Vindt ge onder elk de zaal, die u 't afbeeldsel meldt, / Gy kunt, ô jeugd! dan naam daar van dus leeren spellen; / of leezen, om hierin een nut vermaak te stellen 1715 - 1813

This print was made by the widow of Cornelis Stichter in Amsterdam, using engraving techniques. Look closely, and you will see that each of the twenty-six squares contains an image and a letter of the alphabet, encouraging young people to learn how to spell. Engraving is a process that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean so that ink remains only in the incised lines. The plate is then pressed against a sheet of paper, transferring the image. This particular print is a testament to the skills and labor involved in engraving, which was widely used for illustrations in books and newspapers, as well as for creating maps and other visual materials. The method allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making images more accessible to a wider audience, and contributing to the growth of literacy and education. This artwork shows how making practices are deeply embedded in social and cultural contexts, and also points to the connections between craft, education, and society.