Kinder wilt ge hoogduits leeren; dan moet ge in deez' A.B. studeeren 1779 - 1936

Curator: This is “Kinder wilt ge hoogduits leeren; dan moet ge in deez’ A.B. studeeren,” a print made between 1779 and 1936 by weduwe H. Bontamps. It's made using engraving, so printing was its purpose, yet it evokes the texture of folk art. Editor: It’s really interesting. Almost like an alphabet primer… How should we interpret the materials and process here? Curator: Well, the printmaking process is crucial. The engraving technique itself suggests a specific social and economic context. This wasn't mass-produced in a modern sense; it’s a relatively laborious process, indicating a particular investment of time and skill. How does the image and text relate to its social utility as an early-learning tool? Editor: Right, because the material dictates who might have access to such an item… was it aimed at a particular social class? The engraving process suggests some degree of wealth, and literacy obviously played a huge role. Curator: Exactly. We need to consider the materials themselves as signifiers of class and consumption. Is the quality of paper significant? Were these prints widely circulated or relatively rare? These material considerations give insights into the printer’s labor. Is the aesthetic of the images an attempt at democratizing knowledge for the masses? Editor: That's interesting – the attempt to broaden literacy would also change how such items are created, perhaps affecting the production techniques used for teaching materials. I hadn’t considered the production process in such depth before. Curator: Considering the processes, materials, and socio-economic context really can unlock fascinating insights into even seemingly simple works like this. I hope this helps broaden your perspective as a rising student of art history.