Ô lieve kindren! ziet de dieren op deez' print; Kent hunnen naam en aart, als gij hen leevend vindt 1805 - 1808

This print, "Ô lieve kindren! ziet de dieren op deez' print," was made by Johannes Bouwer at an unknown date, using etching. Looking closely, you can see the distinct lines and textures created by the etching process. Bouwer would have covered a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratched away the coating to expose the metal underneath. The plate would then be submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed areas, creating recessed lines. Ink is applied to the plate and then it’s pressed onto paper, resulting in the image we see. This method, though requiring skill and precision, allowed for multiple copies to be made, which speaks to a growing culture of mass production and dissemination of images. The choice of commonplace animals, from cats and dogs to sheep and pigs, hints at a society increasingly involved in agriculture and animal husbandry. The print functions as a pedagogical tool, teaching children to recognize these animals, suggesting a society investing in education and literacy. Ultimately, this seemingly simple print reveals complex intersections of craft, education, and the social context of its time.