ABC-spel, ca. 1780-1795 1778 - 1795

This 18th-century Dutch print, titled "ABC-spel" by artist Jan (Sr.) Oortman, is a charming example of educational illustration. The design features the alphabet arranged in a decorative frame, with each letter paired with an image representing a corresponding object or concept. The print incorporates a beehive and a playful, decorative border, reflecting the pedagogical approach of the time. This print would have been used to teach children the alphabet, emphasizing both literacy and visual learning. The "ABC-spel," a historical artifact housed at the Rijksmuseum, offers insights into the visual culture and educational practices of 18th-century Netherlands.