Al wat gy hier beschouwt, ô jeugd! / Streelt het uw oog, 't belet geen deugd. / Beschouw hier eerst drie nutte zaaken, / En laat de vierde uw' geest vermaaken 1806 - 1830

This wood engraving was created by Johan Noman, a book printer from Zaltbommel. It’s a piece meant to both delight and instruct the youth. The composition is divided into four scenes, each accompanied by a rhyming verse. In Noman’s time, the Netherlands was undergoing significant economic and social changes. The ideals of the Enlightenment were spreading, emphasizing reason and individual freedom, while the economy was still largely agrarian. The print offers a glimpse into the values of the era. It presents idealized images of rural life and labor, highlighting the virtues of hard work and agricultural production. These scenes maintain traditional representations of labor and leisure, yet they also reflect a changing society. The emotional core of this piece lies in its appeal to the young, encouraging them to find joy in both work and play. It serves as a reminder of the importance of grounding oneself in the tangible realities of life, even as society progresses.