Tot uw vermaak, en niet om dat g'er voor zult vliên, / ô kindren! ziet gy hier een reeks van oorlogsliên. / Van vost tot pyper toe, vindt gy dit niet al aardig? / Toont elk zich in postuur, maar niet tot vechten vaardig 1806 - 1830

This print, made by Johan Noman, is an intriguing example of early 19th-century image making. It’s produced from an engraving, a process involving meticulous carving into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. What strikes me is the serial nature of the imagery. Each frame presents a different figure, seemingly part of a military parade, yet the text suggests a playful, non-combative purpose. The material execution allows for the crisp, repeatable depiction of these characters, hinting at the rise of mass production and visual culture. Consider the labor involved: the engraver's skill in rendering detail, and the printer's role in reproducing copies for a wider audience. This print sits at the intersection of craft and commerce, reflecting a society increasingly shaped by production and consumption. It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple images are deeply embedded in social and economic contexts.