Koopman, zeeman, soldaat en boer 1850

Editor: So, this print is called "Koopman, Zeeman, Soldaat en Boer," which translates to "Merchant, Sailor, Soldier, and Farmer." It's from 1850, by Jan Schuitemaker, done as a lithograph. It has an old-world feeling, almost like illustrations from a storybook. The depictions seem very stereotypical of those occupations. How would you interpret these scenes? Curator: Oh, this reminds me of those little Dutch scenes painted on tiles… There's a comforting charm in its simplicity, wouldn't you agree? But look closer. Each scene, while seemingly generic, it presents an archetype and is a reflection of the Dutch societal fabric. There's the entrepreneur "Koopman" busy at commerce, the "Zeeman" representing exploration and connection to far away shores, the protector represented by the "Soldaat", and sustenance and labor embodied by the "Boer" – it’s almost allegorical, isn’t it? Almost like little parables. What do you think about that? Editor: I see your point. Each of them represent cornerstones of society. They also serve as reminder of the different levels in the Dutch societal structure, and almost like a story of societal functions that complement each other. Curator: Precisely! Schuitemaker has captured the essence of everyday life with a hint of idealisation, if you ask me. I think we're not far off imagining our society shown with a similar set of principles as they where envisioned then, only changed by modernity! Editor: Absolutely. This print provides a lovely glimpse into the past. I guess, things aren’t so different today. Curator: We would not exist if not for all four of those people to thrive in harmony! Thanks, Schuitemaker!