't Is jeugd, om uw gezicht te strelen, / En 't aangenaame meê te deelen, / Dat ge in het vooglen-perk hier ziet. / Schuw 't kwade en haat het goede niet 1806 - 1830

Johan Noman created this undated print, titled 't Is jeugd, om uw gezicht te strelen', using etching. Prints like this one circulated widely in the Netherlands, offering moral lessons through simple imagery. Each panel depicts a bird in a setting, accompanied by a short verse. But look closer – this isn't just innocent fun. The verses offer commentary on social behavior, advising viewers to shun evil and embrace goodness. Consider the cultural context. The Netherlands, with its strong Protestant values, placed great emphasis on moral education. Prints like these served as accessible tools for disseminating those values throughout society. They reflect a desire to instill virtue and guide behavior. The Rijksmuseum's collection of prints and drawings provides valuable insight into the visual culture of the time. The historian can delve into period literature and social customs to understand the nuances of these images. This helps us appreciate art not just as aesthetic objects, but as cultural artifacts that reflect the values and beliefs of their time.