Kom, kind'ren, koop deez' prent zy zal uw wis vermaken, / Hier hebt gy wêêr een keur van allerhande zaken, / Het kinder speelgoed ziet gy hier by afgebeeld, / Het word, voor u tot nut en vermaak meégedeeld 1781 - 1828

This print, made by Jan Hendriksen in Rotterdam, presents us with a fascinating glimpse into the world of childhood in the Netherlands. It’s not just a depiction of toys and games; it's a window into the social values and expectations of the time. Consider the context: the Dutch Republic, a society built on trade and a burgeoning middle class. What role did play have in shaping the next generation of citizens? The images here are simple, yet they speak volumes about the activities deemed appropriate for children. The boys are depicted with kites, flags, and musical instruments, but the activities for girls remain unclear. What do they reveal about the construction of gender roles? And how might these games reflect broader social hierarchies? To truly understand this print, we must delve into the archives, examining the material culture of childhood, pedagogical treatises, and even the financial records of the printmaker himself. It’s in this way that we can begin to understand how images like these shaped and reflected the social fabric of their time.