Oorkonde voor goed gedrag 1800 - 1841

"Oorkonde voor goed gedrag," or "Certificate for Good Conduct," was made by Joannes Bemme, circa late 18th-early 19th century. This print offers a glimpse into the values and expectations of the time, particularly concerning education and moral behavior. The imagery of children being rewarded for good conduct speaks volumes about the period's emphasis on discipline and virtue. You see cherubic figures and symbolic objects that suggest innocence and divine approval, reinforcing the idea that proper behavior leads to heavenly reward. These certificates were more than just acknowledgments; they were instruments of social conditioning, subtly shaping young minds to conform to societal norms. As you reflect on this artwork, consider the power dynamics at play and how such artifacts influenced the formation of individual and collective identities in the past.