Dit is een raare visch, Die nooit koomt op de Disch 1831 - 1854

Curator: This print, entitled "Dit is een raare visch, Die nooit koomt op de Disch," or "This is a strange fish, who never comes to the table," dates to between 1831 and 1854, and was created by Erve H. Rynders. Editor: It’s curious. The ink seems light, almost whimsical, belying the implied weight of ships foundering and that peculiar, almost grotesque fish. Curator: Indeed. This piece engages with mercantile loss and perhaps, broader themes of societal inequality. The foundering ships vividly represent financial ruin, impacting not just shipowners, but entire social ecosystems. The accompanying proverbs amplify the themes. Editor: The image of the strange fish, that “never comes to the table”, stands out. I’m immediately struck by its strange, almost repulsive form, but more curious about what the fish symbolizes in the broader narrative. Is it a symbol of unattainability? Is it an indictment against waste, gluttony and the elite dining culture in this time period? Curator: That reading aligns well. It functions as a powerful metaphor for the unequal distribution of wealth. While some feast, others are left with mere scraps, represented by this inedible creature. This visual language was important, communicating complex social critiques to a potentially broad audience, including those who were not fully literate. The fish might not have had a seat at the table. Editor: The text positioned to the left of the fish is interesting. I read those groupings as symbols related to trade, governance, nature, religion, love, mortality, and conflict. In addition, given the time frame when the print was produced, it has resonance. A connection to the decline of Amsterdam in terms of trade. Curator: Precisely. Its creation reflects a period of Dutch societal change. Through a blend of visual metaphor and symbolic elements, Rynders effectively conveyed socioeconomic anxieties. We can examine it through intersectional narratives of wealth distribution, social hierarchy, and access, broadening the artistic narrative. Editor: Understanding its intended impact is invaluable. It underscores the emotional, cultural, and psychological resonances symbols carry, especially those tied to sustenance and social standing. Curator: Absolutely, it's a print teeming with narratives and historical commentary. Editor: A visual puzzle offering insights into a past that, unfortunately, echoes into our present.