Nederlandse oorlogsschepen vergaan tussen 10-15 mei 1940 c. 1945 - 1960

Editor: Here we have "Nederlandse oorlogsschepen vergaan tussen 10-15 mei 1940," dating from around 1945-1960 by J. Verhoeven. It's a print on paper using watercolor and ink. What strikes me is how simply, almost diagrammatically, it depicts such a dramatic event. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Immediately, I'm drawn to the visual language used here. While seemingly straightforward, the repetition of the ships evokes a profound sense of loss and historical weight. Each ship becomes a symbol, not just of naval power, but of the Dutch resistance and the sacrifices made during those dark days. Notice how they are almost like icons, lined up as if in a memorial procession. Editor: So, you’re saying the simple style isn't just a stylistic choice, but adds to the memorial aspect? Curator: Precisely. Think about the cultural memory at play. The poster was created relatively soon after the events it depicts, likely meant to rally support and cement national identity in the aftermath of war. It presents a very clean, almost sanitized version of violent events for popular consumption. Does this sanitization diminish or amplify its impact? Editor: I see your point. Maybe the clean lines help make it digestible, prevent it from being overwhelming. It allows for reflection rather than just shock. The phrase 'den vaderlant ghetrouwe / Bleef ick tot in den doet' reinforces this sense of duty and sacrifice. Curator: Absolutely. That phrase, meaning "true to the fatherland until death", underscores the ideological underpinnings. We see here how national pride is reinforced through selective imagery and language, crafting a narrative of heroism amidst devastation. Editor: That's a very different way to see this piece than how I initially approached it. I’ve definitely learned a lot! Curator: As have I. It’s always revealing to explore the deeper symbolic resonances of seemingly simple imagery.