Ziet kinderen! dit edele dier, / Verliest in 't eind, veel van zijn zwier. / Zoo zal 't u gaan, o lieve jeugd! / Als ge u niet toelegt op de deugd 1822 - 1870

This color print was made by Willem Bal in the Netherlands in the 19th century. It presents a series of images depicting horses in various states, accompanied by moralizing Dutch verse. The images offer a glimpse into the agricultural society of the time, with horses shown plowing fields, pulling carts, and carrying riders. The verses attached to each image serve as a warning to children: just as horses lose their strength and beauty with age and overwork, so too will children if they do not cultivate virtue. Prints such as this one reflect a culture deeply rooted in agrarian life and shaped by the Protestant work ethic. They played an important role in the moral and social formation of young people. Understanding this print requires delving into the history of Dutch printmaking, the social function of children's literature, and the values of 19th-century Dutch society. Museum collections, historical archives, and literary studies can help shed light on its meaning and significance.