Spreekwoorden 1850 - 1881

This print, titled "Spreekwoorden," was created by Dirk Noothoven van Goor, and is made of paper. The print illustrates Dutch proverbs, combining images and text to convey wisdom and morality to a youthful audience. This was made possible by the industrialized production of paper and printing technologies which made images more available to a broader public. The fine, detailed lines are achieved through a printing process, likely engraving or lithography, which allowed for the mass production of intricate designs, and hints at the amount of labor required to create these designs at scale. The act of printing itself mirrors the spread of knowledge and cultural values, reflecting the democratization of information during this period. Paper, once a precious commodity, becomes a vehicle for education and moral instruction, demonstrating its social and cultural significance. Ultimately, "Spreekwoorden" showcases how humble materials can be imbued with cultural meaning, reflecting the values and aspirations of a society in transformation.