Leerd dit o jonge jeugd / Maar wilt u niet vergaapen / Al wat men op 's waerelds schouwburg spreid / Is 't regte spel der aapen 1765 - 1767

This print, made by weduwe Hendrik van der Putte, is an example of early printmaking, likely from the 18th century. It uses etching or engraving, techniques that allow for the mass production of images on paper. The print shows four scenes framed as if on a stage, each depicting different follies or vices. The labor involved in creating such a print is considerable, requiring skill in both design and the physical act of carving the image into a metal plate. This process reflects a society increasingly geared towards production and consumption. The visual style and the satirical content are typical of popular prints of the time, meant to be widely disseminated and understood. The choice of printing as a medium, rather than painting or sculpture, suggests an intention to reach a broad audience, potentially influencing public opinion and reflecting social norms through accessible imagery. It’s a reminder that what an artwork is made of, and how it is made, is as crucial to its meaning as what it represents.