Leer kind'ren door dez' prent in uwe grille jeugd, / Dat niets uw pryslyk maakt als 't onderhoud der deugd / Apprenez mes chers enfants par cette image, / Qu'il n'y a rien que la vertu qui vous rendra sage 1866 - 1902

Franciscus Antonius Beersmans created this print, with etching and letterpress, to teach children moral lessons in youth. Beersmans, who lived in Belgium in the 19th century, presents a series of images that explore themes of virtue and morality. The use of a popular print format suggests an intention to make moral teachings accessible to a wide audience. In this artwork, ideas about gender roles and social expectations are subtly interwoven. By focusing on children and their moral development, Beersmans touches on societal expectations for future generations. It reflects a world where virtue was seen as essential, especially for maintaining social order and familial reputation. The narrative unfolds in a comic strip style, leading us through a series of scenes that feel both instructional and emotionally charged. Beersmans reminds us of the delicate balance between individual desire and social responsibility.