Verscheidenheid behaagt den mensch en is de ziel van 't leven, / Leer uit deez' prent ook lieve jeugd, het goede na te streven 1827 - 1894

This print, made by Gerrit Oortman, around the late 18th or early 19th century, presents us with a series of vignettes, each offering a slice of daily life intended to teach moral lessons. Consider the recurring motif of the couple, appearing in various guises throughout the grid. From scenes of courtship to domestic life, these images echo representations of unions found in ancient Roman marriage iconography, or even the hieros gamos of antiquity. Yet, while earlier portrayals often symbolized fertility and prosperity, here, we see a shift towards moral instruction, reflecting the values of the time. The image engages our collective memory, inviting us to reflect on the ever-evolving nature of human relationships. The appeal to learn to be good speaks to a deeper, subconscious desire for order and virtue within the chaos of human existence. Ultimately, this colorful array reminds us that even the most ancient symbols are continually reshaped by the currents of history.