Wie wil kermis met mij houden, / 't vrolijk wezen staat thans vrij: / Mits men, wegens pligtbetrachting, / Zulks volkomen noodig zij 1806 - 1830

Editor: This is an engraving by Johan Noman, sometime between 1806 and 1830, titled "Wie wil kermis met mij houden, / 't vrolijk wezen staat thans vrij: / Mits men, wegens pligtbetrachting, / Zulks volkomen noodig zij." It looks like a page from a children's book or a series of morality tales, all these tiny scenes crammed together. It feels a bit chaotic. What do you make of it all? Curator: Chaotic is a good word for it! It reminds me of those wonderful, overwhelming "cabinet of curiosities" – a world contained within a single frame. Each of these miniature scenes, etched with such detail, captures a different facet of daily life. Carnival is about to start, do you notice all these hints of mischief, communal festivity, people helping each other and drinking alcohol? This feels to me like a celebration, but perhaps a cautionary one. Editor: A cautionary celebration? What do you mean? Curator: Well, look at the title. Loosely translated it is saying: “Who wants to celebrate the fair with me as ‘cheerfulness is now free’? As long as there is due attention.” There’s a little "quid pro quo" hiding in that rhyme, don't you think? A suggestion that celebration must be balanced with duty. See how many of the squares are illustrating acts of labour alongside the scenes of merriment? It’s a really interesting push and pull. Do you see those contrasts too? Editor: I do now! I hadn’t really focused on the… smaller narratives. It really shows how celebrations, even back then, weren’t just about carefree fun. Curator: Exactly! And that awareness, that understanding, deepens our appreciation for both the art and the life it depicts. It’s about life! It's all interwoven, duty and revelry. Editor: Absolutely, I will keep this is mind as I'll explore this and other pieces. Thanks for that! Curator: My pleasure! Thanks for giving me fresh eyes too!