De boomtak 1876 - 1895

Albert Quantin created "De boomtak," sometime between 1850 and 1933 using a printing press, a technology that democratized images in ways never before imagined. The comic strip format reflects the rise of mass media and popular culture, designed for widespread consumption. It depicts a mother and her son visiting the zoo, and the son's escapades. The characters' clothing and the presence of exotic animals signal a colonial context. The little boy, Piet, disrupts the expected decorum as he goes on a camel ride. It’s a wild ride. The animals, often symbols of colonized lands, are reduced to mere attractions. The narrative highlights the tension between the civilizing mission of the zoo and the untamed desires of the boy. "De boomtak" captures a moment in time when encounters with the 'exotic' were mediated through carefully constructed displays, raising questions about power, representation, and the gaze.