Wat de kermis te zien geeft 1875 - 1903

Jan de Haan created "Wat de kermis te zien geeft" or "What the Fair Shows" which offers us a glimpse into the spectacles of the fairground. Each scene is a tableau of entertainment, but they also reflect the social dynamics of the time. Consider the depiction of 'the wild man,' displayed for the amusement of a presumably European audience. This image raises questions about the ethics of spectacle and the exoticization of non-European peoples. It invites us to think about how cultural differences were perceived and exploited within the context of entertainment. Similarly, the 'bear leader' accompanied by a dancing bear is another reminder of how animals were often used as objects of entertainment. The images as a whole show a complex interplay of amusement and exploitation that was part of popular culture. They encourage us to consider the values and attitudes of the society that produced and consumed these images. They push us to reflect on the human cost of entertainment.