Kinderlief, weer een geschenk, / Naar uw zin zoo als ik denk / Doet er nut en voordeel mee: / 't is een kunstig A, B, C 1827 - 1894

Made by M. Hemeleers-van Houter, this alphabet print from the 1800s was designed as an educational tool for children. Each letter is playfully rendered with figures engaged in various activities and scenes, offering a glimpse into the period's social customs and values. Consider the visual narratives: people shaking hands, children playing, and individuals working. What do these representations tell us about the roles and expectations placed upon different members of society? The verses accompanying each letter provide moral lessons and reflections on daily life. Reflecting on Hemeleers-van Houter’s piece, it serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined education is with cultural transmission, subtly shaping young minds through the art of learning. Can we see this ABC as an effort to instill particular values and worldviews into the next generation?