Spreekwoorden 1845

This undated print by Jan Schuitemaker, titled “Spreekwoorden”, or “Proverbs”, is from a series called “Prenten-Magazijn voor de Jeugd”, or “Print Magazine for the Youth”, and it reflects the social and cultural values that were considered important for young people. The print, published in the Netherlands, uses visual codes and cultural references specific to Dutch society, offering a glimpse into its moral and social fabric. The scenes depict common proverbs, like "He must bend low, who wants to stop the mouth with dumplings," each carrying a message about behavior, expectations, and social norms. These proverbs, and the choice to illustrate them for children, highlight the emphasis on teaching moral lessons through everyday imagery. The institutional history of such publications is also relevant. It demonstrates the role of print media in shaping young minds and propagating cultural values. To fully understand the artwork, it is important to look at the broader context, and other examples of children's literature and educational materials from the period. Through such research, we gain insight into the cultural and social norms that the print was designed to convey.