De provincie Overijssel. 215,000 inwoners 1850

Curator: Ah, this print. "De provincie Overijssel. 215,000 inwoners" created around 1850 by Jan Schuitemaker. It’s a lithograph, a charming one, wouldn’t you say? It seems like an ancestor to an infographic! The detailed vignettes are very fascinating. What stands out for you? Editor: I'm immediately struck by its almost textbook-like quality. It’s quite detailed and shows both landscape and industry. It almost feels like a page torn from an educational journal or something. But how should we interpret this combination of geography and industry? Curator: Precisely! Think about 1850. The Netherlands was rapidly industrializing, transforming both its landscape and its identity. Schuitemaker presents Overijssel not just as a province with so many inhabitants, but as a functioning, evolving entity. The vignettes aren’t random; they highlight key industries and landmarks, reinforcing the idea of progress and prosperity. It's as if he’s saying, “Look how far we’ve come, look at our potential!” Almost like propaganda, but in a well-intentioned way. Does that give you a new appreciation for it? Editor: It does. I was so focused on the surface details, but the context of industrial change makes so much sense of the images. I never thought of prints being used for "propaganda" at that time, but it feels appropriate. Thanks, Curator. Curator: My pleasure. These old prints, they are little time capsules, if you know how to unlock them.