Het nieuw vermakelijk ganzenspel, / voor de lieve jeugd aan onze hoogeschool 1864

Pieter Wilhelmus van de Weijer created this game board, "Het nieuw vermakelijk ganzenspel," sometime in the 19th century. Intended for young students, the game provides a glimpse into the values and expectations of Dutch academic life. Each square presents a scenario or challenge, reflecting the experiences and moral dilemmas students might face. There is a strong emphasis on learning and self-discipline, and it seems to suggest that education is not just about intellectual growth, but also about character development. The imagery includes symbols of knowledge, cautionary tales, and perhaps a few satirical pokes at student life. I wonder if the students who played this game embraced or resisted its underlying messages. Consider the figure at the end of the path: is he a representation of success or a commentary on conformity? This game invites us to reflect on how education shapes individual identities and perpetuates cultural values.