Laat deze, Zwitsersche tafreelen, / O kind'ren, uwen kunstmin streelen, / En leert er uit, dat werkzaamheid, / En eenvoud zegen om zich spreidt 1850 - 1870

This print by Willem Bal, whose dates are 1808 to 1897, presents a series of scenes of Swiss life intended to inspire children through art. The print, whose title translates to, "Let these Swiss scenes, o children, stir your love of art, and learn from them that industry and simplicity spread blessings around them," reflects the 19th-century emphasis on moral education and national identity. Each vignette offers a glimpse into the lives of Swiss people, emphasizing labor and simplicity as virtues, yet these romanticized depictions subtly reinforce societal norms and expectations. The figures, rendered with careful detail, suggest an idealized version of Swiss identity, perhaps overlooking the complexities of class, gender, and regional differences. It invites us to consider how national identity is constructed and the stories that are told—and not told—through visual culture. Bal’s print serves as a window into the values and aspirations of his time, and invites us to reflect on how representations of culture and identity shape our understanding of ourselves and others.