Komt nu, lieve meisjes, gij bloempjes der jeugd, / Ik hoop dat deez' prent u een weinig verheugd. / Is dit zoo ik roep met Van Alphen dan meê, / Geef eerst tot belooning een kusje of twee 1850 - 1870

This undated print, made by P.C.L. van Staden & Co., presents a series of scenes featuring young girls. The verses accompanying each scene offer a glimpse into the expectations and sentiments surrounding girlhood, framed within a culture that idealized innocence and domesticity. The images and verses reflect a society deeply invested in shaping young women, and the print provides insight into the emotional landscape of girlhood. The scenes range from playful to contemplative, capturing the girls engaged in innocent activities and quiet reflection. The line, "Come now, dear girls, you blossoms of youth, / I hope this print has pleased you a little" speaks to the print's intended audience. The verse ends with a bold proposition, "If so, I call out with Van Alphen, / First give a kiss or two as a reward," reflects a culture where affection, even in the form of a kiss, was part of social exchange. The print serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting the prevailing values and attitudes towards girls and womanhood. It invites viewers to reflect on the experiences of young girls and the ways in which society molds their identities.