Boertje! zijt gij moê? [(...)] 1861 - 1929

This is "Boertje! zijt gij moê? [(...)]" a children's print made by Albertus Willem Sijthoff in the Netherlands. Although undated, it was likely created in the mid to late 19th century. The print presents a series of small, anecdotal scenes accompanied by short verses in Dutch. Through depictions of everyday life and common archetypes, the print offers a glimpse into the values and social norms of the time. Themes of work, play, and family are presented with a didactic tone, reflecting the era’s emphasis on moral instruction for children. Interestingly, the print also features imagery that reflects the colonial attitudes prevalent in Dutch society at the time, presenting questions about cultural representation and identity. While seemingly innocent, these prints also reveal the complex ways in which power dynamics were embedded in everyday life. How do these seemingly benign images contribute to a broader narrative of cultural superiority and domination? How might we read these images today, in light of postcolonial critique?