Het is zoo als men zegt, / Een spreekwoord in wel regt [(...)] 1800 - 1833

This print, "Het is zoo als men zegt," was created by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, likely in the early 19th century. Immediately striking is its grid-like composition, with rows of figures enacting various proverbs, their meanings written above each scene in Dutch and French. The color palette is restrained – ochre, red, and grey, delicately applied to define shapes and textures. The artist masterfully uses line to create distinct forms and convey movement. Each figure is rendered with attention to detail. The organization of the artwork into a grid is not merely decorative; it invokes a sense of order and classification. It reminds us of the Enlightenment's drive to categorize and understand the world through rational systems. This use of structure is not just about visual clarity, but also mirrors a philosophical approach to knowledge. These proverbs, visually represented, act as cultural codes, their meanings embedded in the gestures and interactions of the figures. The artwork challenges fixed meanings, opening a space for viewers to engage in the interpretation of symbols and cultural values.