Van al de letters, op de letterlijst gesteld. / Vind he onder elk een zaak, die u 't afbeeld meld. / Gij kunt, ô jeugd den naam daar van dus leeren spellen, / Of leezen, om hier in een nut vermaak te stellen 1806

This undated print by Jan Hendriksen is a visual and linguistic puzzle, meant to teach children the alphabet through images and verse. Each box presents an object corresponding to a letter, inviting young viewers into a world where language and image intertwine. But beyond its pedagogical aim, it's a reflection of the values and worldview of its time. Consider, for instance, how these images might have reinforced societal norms around work, play, and gender. The act of learning to read was not merely about literacy, it was about enculturation into a specific social order. Jan Hendriksen’s alphabet isn't just a tool for learning letters; it's a mirror reflecting the cultural landscape of its time. These aren't just innocent pictures; they are carriers of cultural DNA.