Ô kinders! ziet in deez' tafrelen / Uw broeders en uw zusters spelen 1805 - 1808

This undated print by Johannes Bouwer invites us into the world of childhood games in the Netherlands. Through twelve vignettes, we see children engaged in various forms of play, from blowing bubbles to flying kites. The verses below each scene offer moralizing commentary, reflecting the era's emphasis on instilling virtue in the young. These images provide a glimpse into the past, revealing not only the pastimes of children but also the values and expectations placed upon them. How do gender roles present themselves even in childhood? How do children learn social norms through play? Although seemingly simple, Bouwer’s print prompts us to consider how children’s play has always been a space where identities are formed, social hierarchies are negotiated, and cultural values are transmitted from one generation to the next. It reminds us that even the games we play are never truly innocent; they are always shaped by the world around us.