Robinson Crusoe c. 1822 - 1849

This print, "Robinson Crusoe," was created by Jan de Lange II in the 19th century. The piece is divided into four distinct scenes, each framed by a sharp, dark outline that emphasizes the narrative's sequential nature. The color palette is limited, with washes of yellow, red, and blue delicately applied to the figures and landscape, creating a somewhat naive yet engaging visual texture. The composition within each scene strikes a balance between the natural and the symbolic. The placement of palm trees and figures creates a stage-like space, reminiscent of early forms of narrative art, where each element serves to advance the story and moral lesson. There's a tension between the flatness of the pictorial space and the attempt to convey depth through simple perspective. This structure suggests a reading of the Crusoe story not just as adventure, but as a series of encounters with alterity and civilization, mediated through the formal constraints of the print medium itself. This interplay of form and narrative allows us to consider how the material qualities of the artwork shape the reception and interpretation of cultural narratives.