Ziet hier twee fraaije printtafreelen, / ô jeugd! om uw gezigt te streelen [(...)] 1806 - 1830

Johan Noman created this print in the Netherlands, sometime before 1833, using etching. It presents two scenes, each accompanied by text, offering moral lessons aimed at the youth. The imagery evokes a sense of idyllic life and proper conduct. In the upper scene, we see a couple strolling peacefully in a landscape with a windmill, symbolizing Dutch prosperity and industry. Below, figures gather in what seems to be a garden, perhaps discussing matters of importance. The verses emphasize virtues such as diligence and piety, reinforcing the values that the Dutch bourgeoisie of that era held dear. This print reflects the didactic role art played at the time, guiding viewers towards virtuous behavior and reinforcing existing social norms. Art historians might consult books of emblems, conduct manuals, and popular literature to understand the visual codes and moral instruction it conveys. In this way we can appreciate how art served as a tool in shaping the social and cultural landscape of its time.