Het aartig klugtspel van Jan Klaassen en zyn meisje, / Het fyne Saartje Jans, maar weelderig van vleisje, / En wat 'er meer by Jan Jaspers is geschied, / En Diewertje, is het geen men in dit prentstel ziet 1806 - 1830

This print, made by J. Robyn, presents a series of scenes that tell a comedic story. It is made to be read, not contemplated. Produced in the Netherlands, it gives us a glimpse into the cultural world of the time. The Dutch Golden Age, with its emphasis on trade and a rising merchant class, had created a market for popular entertainment. The references to everyday life, relationships, and perhaps some social satire, would have resonated with a broad audience. Consider the role of institutions like publishing houses in shaping and disseminating these visual narratives. Were they simply catering to public taste, or did they also have a role in shaping it? To truly understand this print, we need to delve into the popular culture of the time, examining the theater, literature, and social customs that would have informed its original audience. Through such research, we can begin to understand the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that mediate them.