Hier ziet gy / ô jonge jeugd! in deze nieuwe prent / Vier dieren afgebeeld na 't leven pertinent 1725 - 1780

This hand-colored woodcut, made by Johannes Kannewet, presents four animals for the "young youth" of the Dutch Republic. The print presents itself as a kind of menagerie, featuring a horse, cow, elephant, and lion. Kannewet worked as a teacher, so this print likely served an educational function, to help children learn about the appearance and nature of different animals. But the image also speaks to the culture of commerce, where, by the 17th century, the Dutch Republic dominated international trade routes, bringing exotic animals like elephants and lions into the realm of the known. The Dutch had also become leaders in zoological and anatomical study, with an eye to rationalizing the natural world. Understanding the history of such images requires researching the economic, scientific, and educational practices of the time. The print is not just a quaint depiction of animals; it's a window into a world that was rapidly expanding its reach and knowledge.