Bord met op het plat de vangst van een tijger c. 1863 - 1958

This plate depicting the capture of a tiger was made by N.V. Société Céramique. The scene illustrates a tiger hunt, likely in a Dutch colony in the East Indies. The image creates meaning through a set of visual and cultural codes. The palm trees and architectural style indicate an exotic locale, while the line of uniformed men suggests Dutch colonial power. The tiger, a symbol of untamed nature, is shown in the process of being captured, reinforcing the idea of European dominance over the natural world. Ceramics like this one, mass-produced for the Dutch market, promoted a particular view of the colonies. It also helped consolidate European identity and justify colonial expansion. As art historians, we can consult archival documents, company records, and period publications to better understand the context in which these plates were made and consumed. By examining the social and institutional forces at play, we can begin to understand how art reflects and shapes our understanding of the world.