Wanneer het leeren is gedaan, / Dan moogt ge eens vrolijk spelen gaan; / Zoo krijgt gij weêr tot leeren lust, / En wordt uw moed nooit uitgeblust c. 1822 - 1849

This is a print titled "Wanneer het leeren is gedaan," made by Schalekamp & Van de Grampel. Notice how the theme of children at play dominates the imagery, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on the innocence and potential of youth. Consider the motif of children playing with kites. This seemingly simple activity has roots stretching back centuries, symbolizing ambition and the human desire to transcend earthly bounds. We see echoes of this in earlier depictions of Icarus attempting flight, a motif laden with the tension between aspiration and the limitations of human existence. Over time, the kite has evolved, shedding some of its earlier tragic connotations to become a symbol of freedom and joy. This transformation reflects a shift in cultural attitudes toward childhood, from a period of strict discipline to one of nurturing and play. The image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The non-linear progression of symbols like the kite invites us to explore how motifs resurface and evolve, reflecting our ever-changing understanding of the world and our place within it.