Vaderlandsche spreekwoorden 1828 - 1853

This print titled, *Vaderlandsche Spreekwoorden*, or National Proverbs, was created by Broese & Comp. The series of images visualizes a host of Dutch sayings, offering a glimpse into the cultural values and social norms of the Netherlands. Looking closely, we see representations of everyday life, gender roles, and social expectations which are subtly reinforced through the proverbs. How do these sayings reflect the experiences of women, or those of different social classes? Consider the saying, “That which is given is better than to beg.” It speaks to the complex negotiations of power and dependency. The sayings act as little lessons, offering advice on everything from managing finances to maintaining social relationships. They remind us that language and visual culture are always intertwined with issues of identity, history and power. The prints create a mirror reflecting not just individual behaviors, but broader societal structures.