Dat 's een tafreeltje, lief en schoon [(...)] 1861 - 1929

This lithograph, made by Albertus Willem Sijthoff sometime in the 19th century, is a page of children's prints titled "Nieuwe Hollandsche Kinderprenten." These "children's prints" are windows into the values that 19th-century Dutch society wanted to instill in their children. The images offer a glimpse into Dutch life, but also its colonial endeavors. We see scenes of trade, travel, and encounters with nature, all framed within a European perspective. The juxtaposition of domestic tranquility with scenes of labor and travel reflects the complex relationship between home and empire during this era. It prompts us to consider how such imagery contributed to shaping a sense of national identity and cultural superiority in young minds. The prints are not merely innocent amusements but tools for instilling a particular worldview. They remind us of the power of visual culture in shaping perceptions and reinforcing societal norms.