Reproductie van (vermoedelijk) een tekening van de onthoofding van een missionaris in Azië 1871

This small drawing, likely by R. Pannier, depicts the beheading of a missionary in Asia. It's executed with simple lines and a muted palette, typical of quick reproduction prints. The impact lies in its process, revealing social and cultural significance. The artist probably used pen and ink, perhaps with a wash technique, to create a sense of depth and drama. The flat and graphic style, combined with its small size, suggests it may have been made as a memento or souvenir, catering to a growing market for exotic imagery. The image likely relies on first-hand, second-hand or even imagined accounts. The amount of work needed to produce these images was relatively low, facilitating mass consumption and reinforcing colonial attitudes. Understanding the making of such an artwork sheds light on the complex interplay between labor, politics, and the consumption of cultural narratives.