Reinhart neemt afscheid 1792 - 1802

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, titled "Reinhart neemt afscheid," sometime in the late 18th century. During this era, the Dutch Republic was heavily involved in the slave trade, a grim backdrop to this seemingly simple farewell scene. The print depicts a group of enslaved people on the shore, bidding adieu to someone departing by boat, possibly a colonial official. Vinkeles, who never traveled to the colonies, based his images on second-hand accounts, shaping a narrative that perhaps softened the brutal realities of slavery. Look at the expressions, or lack thereof, on the faces of those being left behind. There is a sense of resignation, reflecting the disruption and forced displacement that was part of the everyday lives of enslaved people. The print raises questions about identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of the slave trade. Consider how images like this contributed to the construction of a colonial narrative, and the importance of critically examining the stories they tell, and the ones they omit.