Leert, kindren! door deez' prent of prijs! / De leeskunst, naar der dichtren wijz'. / Apprenez par ce prix à lire, chers enfants! / Soit en prese ou en vers, à la mode des savants 1800 - 1833

This print, made by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, combines image and text to encourage literacy. Produced in the early 19th century, it would have been made with a printing press, using engraved plates to transfer ink onto paper. It is a relatively mass-produced item, not an artwork made precious through unique handling. The simple lines and limited color palette speak to a cost-conscious approach. The scenes depict everyday life, children playing games, learning to read, and interacting with animals. There is a relationship between the rudimentary production of this print and the society for which it was made – a burgeoning mercantile culture, in which literacy was increasingly important. Considered as an object, it is both a learning tool and a product of its time. Its content and production speak to social mobility and the democratization of knowledge. By appreciating this print, we can expand our understanding of the relationship between art, craft, and everyday life.