De vermakelyke tydkorting der jongens 1842 - 1866

Curator: This whimsical piece is called "De vermakelyke tydkorting der jongens," which translates to "The Delightful Pastime of Boys." It was printed sometime between 1842 and 1866. The printmaking establishment of the widow C. Kok-van Kolm produced it. Editor: It looks like a primitive comic strip! Twenty-four tiny windows into boyhood. They’re playful, slightly anarchic, and a bit sweet, like eavesdropping on kids plotting in a treehouse. Curator: These were often bound together in small booklets for children. Think of it as early, inexpensive entertainment intended for a young audience. Its cultural significance lies in reflecting how leisure time was perceived and encouraged for children in that era. Editor: There’s a definite rebellious streak. The kids are tormenting animals, getting into mischief – it’s definitely not sanitised. You can sense that kid energy where no authority can completely contain them. It's fascinating that a printed object could invite that kind of spirited playfulness. Curator: Print culture democratized image production and distribution. These sheets allowed ordinary families to access pictures that were previously affordable only for the elite. Note how narrative elements are embedded; stories about everyday life circulate through pictures and simple verses accompanying each scene. Editor: It feels refreshing! Despite its age, there’s no stodginess. It feels raw and honest to that spark within us, always resisting structure. Like they say, some things will never change. I can imagine how radical those boys must have looked. Curator: Indeed. Studying these objects provides a vital record of how values were transmitted. Editor: It invites reflection. For a kid, each panel would feel like a window that inspires a world within the margins.