Het kind dat altijd vlijtig leert, / Steeds ouders, meesters, alle eerst; / Mag ter belooning van zijn vlijt, / Zich wel vermaken op zijn tijd 1820 - 1838

This unnamed hand-colored etching was created by Christiaan Jacob Schuyling in the early 19th century. The series of images, each accompanied by a rhyming couplet in Dutch, depicts a young boy engaged in various activities. The artwork offers a window into the cultural values and expectations placed on children in the Netherlands during this period. There's an emphasis on education and diligence, yet also an acknowledgment of the importance of play and leisure as rewards for hard work. This reflects a broader societal tension between the demands of a burgeoning mercantile economy and the desire to cultivate well-rounded individuals. Schuyling's decision to focus on the experiences of a young boy also speaks to the era's evolving understanding of childhood as a distinct phase of life with its own unique needs and concerns. The artwork prompts us to consider how children's identities are shaped by the interplay of work and play, as well as how these notions intersect with societal expectations of class, gender and behavior. Through this lens, the artwork evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, while also inviting us to reflect on the enduring complexities of childhood.