Opdragt aan de jonge en leerzame jeugd 1800 - 1833

This color print, titled "Opdragt aan de jonge en leerzame jeugd" was created by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, sometime between the late 18th and mid-19th century in the Netherlands. Brepols offers us a series of didactic images designed to teach children basic arithmetic, each accompanied by a rhyming couplet. Beyond mere instruction, the print provides a glimpse into the values and expectations of Dutch society at the time, illustrating the roles and activities deemed appropriate for young people of different social classes. The children depicted engage in activities ranging from reading and writing to manual labor, reflecting the era’s emphasis on both intellectual and vocational training. Gender roles are subtly reinforced, with boys shown in more active, outdoor pursuits, while girls are often portrayed in domestic settings. In its totality, the print serves as a cultural artifact, encapsulating the era's aspirations for its youth. It offers a window into the construction of identity and social norms during a transformative period in European history.