Leer eerst uw opgelegde taak, / En kort den tijd dan met vermaak 1822 - 1849

This colorfully printed sheet, "Leer eerst uw opgelegde taak, / En kort den tijd dan met vermaak," was created by Jan de Lange II in the 19th century. Created during a time of significant social change in the Netherlands, this work provides a window into the era's values and beliefs. The title translates to "First learn your imposed task, / And shorten the time with pleasure." In this print, we see a series of small, sequential images accompanied by text, much like a contemporary comic strip. The images depict scenes of everyday life, such as children playing, tending animals, and completing chores. There's a clear emphasis on the virtues of hard work and discipline. However, it’s worth considering who is included and excluded from this representation of Dutch life. Who gets to enjoy leisure, and whose labor is rendered invisible? By reflecting on these questions, we can better understand the complex social dynamics of 19th-century Netherlands. While seemingly simple, this print invites us to consider the values it promotes and the social structures it reflects.