Deez' prent, o jeugd! bevat veel speelen, / Hij zal gewis u niet vervelen 1828 - 1853

This print, made in Breda by Broese & Comp., teems with the pastimes of youth. The images, reminiscent of ancient friezes, showcase play—the essence of youthful vitality. Notice the recurring motif of figures in motion: dancing, playing instruments, or engaged in games. These actions transcend mere recreation. They evoke a deep-seated human impulse, a Dionysian energy channeled through play. Consider the figure with arms outstretched. This gesture appears across cultures and eras, from ancient fertility rituals to modern dance. It signifies openness, receptivity, a primal connection to the world. It’s almost as if the subconscious seeks release, finding expression in symbolic gestures passed down through generations. The arrangement of the images creates a non-linear narrative, a constellation of human experiences that resonates beyond its immediate context. Each image is a memory trace, re-emerging, taking on new forms, and inviting us to delve into the depths of our collective consciousness.