Mensch leef vroom en goed eert uwen vader en uw moeder 1848 - 1881

This colorful drawing made by Lutkie & Cranenburg spells out a moral message with playful figures. Each letter in the Dutch phrase "Mensch leef vroom en goed eert uwen vader en uw moeder"—"Man, live piously and well, honor your father and your mother"—is formed by small human figures in various poses. This animation of text reminds me of the tradition of illuminated manuscripts, where letters were not just carriers of words but also vessels of images, filled with religious or moral meaning. Here, the artist transforms the act of reading into a visual spectacle, demanding both intellectual and visual engagement. It reminds me of the ancient alchemic drawings, full of hermetic symbolism and hidden meanings. The phrase could be seen as a microcosm of societal values passed down through generations. It is fascinating how this simple maxim touches upon the complex interplay between individual conduct, religious observance, and familial ties.