Mijnheer de dokter 1876 - 1890

This image, ‘Mijnheer de dokter’, was printed by Imprimerie-Librairie, sometime in the 19th century. The print is comprised of sequential images, like frames in a comic strip, which shows children role-playing as a doctor and patient. The printing process is a lithograph, which relies on the simple principle that oil and water do not mix. The drawing is made on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy medium, and then treated with chemicals so that only the drawn areas will hold ink. The rest of the plate is dampened with water, which repels the oily ink. Lithography allowed for multiple impressions to be made quickly, and was cheaper than engraving. This made it ideal for producing affordable prints for mass consumption, especially images like this, that are meant for educational purposes and domestic display. The visual style, with its emphasis on clear lines and bright colors, also aligns well with the lithographic process. In its simple way, this charming print demonstrates how an industrial method could be used to shape childhood experience, class, and social values.