Hier ziet gij met vermaak de kinders opgetogen / En ook een ouders pligt alk na zijn vermogen 1725 - 1780

Editor: This print, dating from somewhere between 1725 and 1780, is called "Hier ziet gij met vermaak de kinders opgetogen / En ook een ouders pligt alk na zijn vermogen" by Johannes Kannewet II. It feels like a glimpse into a world both familiar and distant. What strikes me is the organization – all these little scenes in a grid. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating distillation of the human lifecycle, especially concerning children and families, presented through a culturally specific lens. The grid format itself is significant; each vignette functions as a self-contained emblem, a symbolic representation of a stage or activity. Do you notice any recurring motifs or objects that might carry symbolic weight across these individual scenes? Editor: I suppose children are central, and so are domestic settings... also the presence of elders in many scenes suggests continuity or guidance. Curator: Exactly. The constant presence of adults underscores the importance of familial and communal structure, reflecting a society where roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and transmitted across generations. These aren't merely scenes of daily life; they're carefully constructed images intended to instruct, to reinforce cultural values around childhood, labor, marriage, and community. Notice the clothing of the subjects, doesn’t it give you an insight into Dutch society and moral conduct of the era? Editor: Yes, that is fascinating. The somber tones of the clothing, especially on the women, signal a seriousness of purpose. I’m really learning about how images work like cultural time capsules. Curator: Indeed, and it showcases how persistent the symbolic function of images can be over time. Each image in this grid invites us to contemplate enduring human experiences from different cultural and social angles.