Kindervreugd / of plaatjes voor kleine teekenaars en prentevriendjes; door R. G. Rijkens 1808 - 1844

This print titled ‘Kindervreugd’, meaning ‘Children’s Joy,’ was made by Jan Oomkens in the Netherlands in the early 19th century. Its full title, translates to ‘or pictures for little draftsmen and print friends,’ signaling its function as an educational tool. Each image depicts everyday objects and scenes, such as shoes, boats, and a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by short verses. These visuals served as prompts for children learning to draw and read. The artist, Oomkens, was based in Groningen, and he was catering to a specific cultural context, one where literacy and artistic skills were increasingly valued for social mobility. The emphasis on domestic scenes and familiar objects reflects the era's focus on cultivating virtue and industriousness in the younger generation. Historians use prints like these to understand the intersection of education, art, and social values in the past. By studying the visual culture of a particular time, we gain insights into the aspirations and beliefs of its people.