Icelandic, from Types of Nationalities (N240) issued by Kinney Bros. 1890

Editor: So this small, late 19th-century print, titled "Icelandic, from Types of Nationalities," issued by Kinney Bros., features a portrait of a man, and its mood seems almost… stern. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It’s vital to acknowledge that images like these were often created within a colonial context. This isn't simply a neutral "portrait" but an exercise in defining and categorizing ethnicities for a wider audience. Consider the title: "Types of Nationalities." This implies a desire to create a hierarchy. Editor: So, it’s not just about representation, but about power? Curator: Exactly. These "types" were used to reinforce existing stereotypes, especially about those who were deemed “other.” The poem below the image paints a rather archaic picture, seemingly freezing the subject in time. Editor: What does that say about the intent? Was it about understanding Icelanders? Curator: I doubt that. I believe it tells us more about how turn-of-the-century America sought to position itself in relation to other nations and cultures. How it understood concepts of "civilization" and where various groups fit within that paradigm. Editor: It's like this image isn't just about one man; it represents an entire nation and a way of thinking about other people at that moment in history. Thanks. Curator: Indeed. Recognizing the layers of historical context is crucial for dismantling those biases. It's through these difficult conversations that we create a more inclusive art history.