Dieren galerij (2) 1875 - 1903

This color lithograph, made in the Netherlands, showcases a menagerie of animals, likely intended for a children's book. In this period, the Dutch, like other European nations, were deeply engaged with understanding and classifying the natural world, often through the lens of colonial encounters. This print reflects a cultural fascination with both the familiar – dogs, sheep, cows – and the more exotic, like the llama and antelope. The inclusion of descriptive text in Dutch alongside each animal suggests an educational purpose, aligning with the growth of children's literature and the burgeoning publishing industry of the time. We might consider the social values embedded in these portrayals. Are the animals presented as resources, companions, or simply objects of curiosity? Further research into Dutch colonial history and the development of natural history illustration would illuminate the cultural and institutional context that shaped this print. By exploring these connections, we reveal how art reflects and reinforces societal attitudes towards the natural world.