Ziet, kinderen! ziet in deez' figuren, / De letters die de taal besturen. / Leerd spelend', dus het A, B, C. / Leefd met deez' printjes wel te vreé 1791 - 1812

This alphabet print, made by Jacobus Thompson in Rotterdam, employs visual and textual cues to teach children their ABCs. Beyond its function as an educational tool, this print offers a glimpse into the cultural values and societal norms of the Dutch Republic. Each letter is associated with an image accompanied by a rhyming verse. The choice of images - from ‘Arend’ (eagle) to ‘Zwaan’ (swan) - provides insights into the everyday life and environment familiar to children of that era. The verses not only reinforce letter recognition, but also impart moral lessons and cultural knowledge. Prints like these were part of a broader movement towards accessible education, reflecting the values of a society increasingly shaped by trade, commerce, and civic engagement. The Rijksmuseum's collection contains many similar prints, offering valuable resources for understanding the social and cultural context of childhood education in the Dutch Republic. Studying these artifacts helps us appreciate how art is embedded in specific institutional and cultural contexts.