Zie hier, ô jeugd! voor tydverdryf, / Hoa dat Urbanus en zyn wyf, / Die eerst in ongenoegen leven, / Elkander alle leed vergeven 1791 - 1812

This undated print by Jacobus Thompson, now in the Rijksmuseum, presents a morality tale in serial form. The scenes tell the story of Urbanus and his wife, whose disagreements and reconciliations are offered as a lesson to youth. Prints like this circulated widely in the Dutch Republic. The rising literacy rates combined with the growth of a print industry independent of both church and state, allowed new ideas to flourish in the public sphere. It is likely that the print was made for the new emerging middle class who had more time to dedicate to leisure activities and also to educate themselves. The scenes in the print offer insights into the social dynamics of the time, reflecting concerns about domestic harmony, gender roles, and the importance of forgiveness. The story seems self-consciously progressive in its critique of marital discord and its suggestion that disagreements can be overcome. To fully understand this work, we can draw on a range of resources: social histories of the Dutch Republic, studies of its popular culture, and institutional histories of its printing industry. Each of these can shed light on the conditions that shaped its production and reception.