Wat zegt ge, ô wakkre jeugd! Kan u deez' prent bekooren? / Verheug dan uw gezigt, en denk den trom te hooren. / Lees wat 'er obder staat, tot leerzucht aangespoord, / Zo dikwils gy de stem der onderwyzing hoort 1806 - 1830

This print, made by Johan Noman sometime before 1833, celebrates the sounds and spectacle of urban life. The medium here is crucial: etching, a printmaking process that allows for the reproduction of images in multiples. Consider how this technique democratizes the artwork, making it accessible to a wider audience. The image itself, depicting three drummers in jaunty hats, is rendered with fine lines, capturing details of their uniforms and instruments. The very nature of the print, created through labor-intensive etching, speaks to the effort involved in both its making and the drummers' performance. The text accompanying the image is another vital component, suggesting the print's function as both entertainment and instruction, offering moral guidance to the youth. The image invites us to think about the social context in which it was made, the sounds of city life, and the role of art in shaping civic values. It prompts us to expand our understanding of art history, challenging the hierarchy between fine art and everyday practices.