Beschouw hier een dozijn, / Van vogels groot en klein [(...)] before 1831

This is ‘Beschouw hier een dozijn, / Van vogels groot en klein’ print made in the Netherlands by W. & M.P. Hissink. The print depicts twelve vignettes of different birds accompanied by short descriptive poems. The combination of image and text suggests this print was likely intended for educational purposes, perhaps used in schools or for private instruction. In the 18th and 19th centuries, there was a growing emphasis on natural history and scientific observation, especially among the rising middle classes. This print reflects this broader cultural interest in the natural world. The choice of birds as a subject is interesting, as they were often seen as symbols of freedom and beauty. The images present the natural world as a source of knowledge, instruction and delight. To understand this artwork more fully, you might investigate the history of education in the Netherlands, the development of natural history as a scientific discipline, and the role of prints in disseminating knowledge and shaping public opinion.