Kinders wilt u vreugd vermeeren, / En in deze prent studeren / Snyt ze uit fraei na de zwier, / En plakt die dan op styf papier 1833 - 1900

Curator: This little tableau, "Kinders wilt u vreugd vermeeren…," roughly translates to "Children, if you want to increase joy... cut them out nicely and stick them on stiff paper!" It's an etching, probably dating from the late 19th century, a humble comic strip sketch by Glenisson & Van Genechten. And my initial reaction is pure nostalgia, like peering into a charming, slightly faded, toy box. Editor: It has a lovely storybook feel, doesn’t it? What strikes me are the different narratives. What do you make of these mini scenes, these vignettes of, what appear to be, folk stories? Curator: For me, it feels like a glimpse into childhood itself—slightly chaotic, utterly absorbing, and full of both peril and wonder. Each little frame hints at a story, a lesson, or perhaps just a fleeting moment of everyday life. I think it invites us to recall the sheer power of stories in shaping our understanding of the world, especially as kids. Do you get a sense of how such a ‘comic’ could ignite a child's imagination? Editor: Absolutely! I can imagine cutting them out, creating my own narratives, shuffling the order around… it’s interactive, almost like an early form of choose-your-own-adventure. But what's fascinating is the apparent moral dimension in some of these vignettes; there's an obvious teaching component. What do you read from this 'didactic' aspect in this kind of playful medium? Curator: Hmmm, maybe these playful images can indeed communicate subtle, culturally-grounded moral and social lessons. And how the messages can easily turn serious... Look at the panels suggesting struggle, maybe inequality and so on. Do you see a sort of an open window to the mindset of its time in this tension between play and "good behavior?" Editor: I see what you mean. It's like these strips can offer us so many unique angles to consider, whether about folklore, education, childhood, or maybe just everyday life. It definitely opens up some possibilities for connecting with other work and art. Thanks! Curator: The pleasure was all mine. It tickles that bit of me that just loves finding untold stories in things, especially forgotten ones.