Leert uit Duimpjes aardig leven, ('t geen wij u in prent hier geven : ) / Zijt g' ondeugend, hoewel klein, dat uw eind' zal droevig zijn / Enfants si de Poucet, je vous donne l'image, c'est pour vous exciter à toujours rester sage; / Recherchez la vertu, c'est là le vrai moyen de vous faire chérir de tout homme de bien 1800 - 1833

This color etching, "Leert uit Duimpjes aardig leven," was created by Philippus Jacobus Brepols around the late 18th or early 19th century. The scenes, captioned in both Dutch and French, seem to teach moral lessons about virtue and the consequences of misbehavior. The stories may reflect the social norms of the time, particularly regarding childhood and moral education. Consider how these visual narratives uphold societal values. Each scene presents simplified characters in scenarios that would have been familiar to the viewer, making the lessons relatable and easily understood. The use of children as the main characters taps into a cultural interest in innocence, discipline, and guidance. The composition, with its grid-like arrangement, mimics the structure of a book, and the inclusion of text reinforces the educational purpose. But I also think the illustrations allow viewers to connect on a personal level, considering their own experiences and beliefs about morality. These simple scenes create a lasting impact, illustrating the profound influence of art on shaping societal values and individual behavior.