Volksstam 1846 - 1905

Hendrik Dekker created this intriguing chalk lithograph, Volksstam, in the Netherlands in 1856. It assembles an imagined group of people from around the world. This image creates meaning by representing different ethnic groups in one place, implying perhaps an underlying unity or common humanity. Dekker made this during a time when ideas about race and nationhood were being shaped by colonialism, scientific theories, and political movements. The lithograph presents a view of different "types" of people, reflecting the period’s fascination with categorizing humanity. The work raises questions about Dutch identity and its relationship to the wider world. Was Dekker making a progressive statement about equality, or reproducing existing stereotypes? Understanding this artwork requires us to consider the history of Dutch colonialism, theories of race, and the role of visual culture in shaping public opinion. By researching these topics, we can better understand the complex social and political context in which this image was made and how it might have been received by its original audience.