De Jeugd werd hier gesticht, door 't werk in tugtgehouwen, Gelyk men daaglijks ziet, van 't doopen af tot 't Trouwen 1791 - 1812

This print, by Jacobus Thompson, was made using etching, a process that allows for detailed, reproducible images. Here, the dense grid of scenes shows the stages of life, from birth to marriage, reflecting the social structures of the time. The etched lines create a graphic quality, and the method allowed for relatively quick production, indicative of a growing print culture and consumer demand. Look closely and you’ll see the way the image is constructed from labor, both literally – in the work of the etcher – and figuratively, in the scenes depicted. These all reflect a society that emphasized discipline and the value of work. Considering Thompson’s print, it reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are products of specific material processes, reflecting broader social and economic contexts, and challenging the boundaries between fine art and popular culture.