Vermakelijk A B C 1848 - 1881

This hand-colored print titled "Vermakelijk ABC" by Lutkie & Cranenburg, presents the alphabet through a series of vignettes. The symbols, so seemingly simple, are steeped in cultural memory. Note the horse under the letter 'P,' a motif that gallops through art history. From the steeds of ancient Greek sculptures to the chargers in Renaissance paintings, the horse embodies power, freedom, and nobility. Its depiction here, in a child's alphabet, is particularly interesting. It echoes across time, connecting this simple print to larger themes. Consider how the horse has evolved, from a symbol of war to one of pastoral beauty. The shift is subtle, yet profound. Here the horse is a figure of pure, unbridled energy, simplified for a child’s understanding. It's a primal image, a symbol that stirs deep within our collective subconscious. This illustration is not just teaching children their ABCs; it is imprinting on their young minds the enduring, evolving stories of our culture.