Was er ooit een volk op aarde / dat men lui en lekker noemt? / Dit / o kindren: zult gij vragen / als gij deze prentjes roemt [(...)] 1831 - 1854

This hand-colored etching was made in Amsterdam by Jacob Coldewijn. The print illustrates a cautionary verse about the dangers of laziness and the allure of a mythical land of plenty. Looking at the imagery, we see a series of scenes depicting the consequences of idleness and the temptations of easy living. The landscapes are simple, almost childlike, but the message is clear: hard work and diligence are necessary for success and moral uprightness. This print likely circulated among the emerging middle class in the Netherlands, a group that placed a high value on industry and thrift. The publisher's imprint at the bottom tells us something of its institutional context: it was produced "by the widow H. Rynders, in the Second Tower street." We might wonder about the role of women in the printing and publishing trades at this time. To understand this print fully, we would need to consult historical sources on Dutch social values, popular literature, and the economics of printmaking. Only then can we appreciate the art as a product of a particular time and place.