Kinderen wilt vlytig leeren, / Dan zal men u deez' print verëeren, / Weläan 't gebruik is u gegund, / Wyl gy er steeds uit leeren kunt 1806 - 1814

This print, made by W.G. van de Sande, is a fascinating example of early educational material. It's made from paper, using printmaking techniques that allow for multiple reproductions. The paper itself is quite humble. Inexpensive and readily available, it speaks to the desire to disseminate knowledge widely. The print consists of a grid of small scenes, each accompanied by a short verse, designed to teach children various lessons and skills. Look closely, and you’ll see that the images depict children learning through observation, copying adults in the performance of everyday labor. There's a child learning arithmetic, another observing farm work, and even a scene of basket weaving. The very act of printing and distributing this sheet reflects the growth of a market economy, where knowledge and skills are commodities to be acquired. By using this easily reproducible format, van de Sande aimed to democratize learning, making it accessible to a wider audience. This print blurs the line between art, craft, and pedagogy, reminding us that making and learning are intertwined.