Gy, jeugd! die 't spelen bly bemind, / Het kind kan nooit vermaak ontberen; / t is kinderspel wat gy hier vind, / Deez' prent verschaft het u, by 't leeren 1791 - 1812

This color print, made in Amsterdam by J.J. Bollemij, offers us a fascinating look at the intersection of play and education in the 19th century. The print is divided into sixteen scenes accompanied by short verses. It presents childhood not just as a period of innocent fun, but as a crucial stage for learning and moral development. What’s interesting here is how Bollemij uses imagery familiar to children, like games and simple stories, to subtly instill social and ethical values. The verses, combined with the visual storytelling, act as a form of early moral instruction, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on shaping young minds in accordance with societal norms. This print tells us a lot about the period’s approach to childhood and the perceived role of education in molding future citizens. To understand this artwork better, we can look into archives of educational materials, children’s literature, and social histories of childhood. By studying these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and institutional contexts that gave shape to this playful yet purposeful print.