Geschiedenis der scheepvaart 1865 - 1875

Curator: This print, created by George Lodewijk Funke between 1865 and 1875, is titled "Geschiedenis der scheepvaart," or "History of Shipping." Editor: Wow, what a visual feast! It reminds me of a quirky stamp collection—so many little boats all neatly lined up. Kind of charmingly obsessive, wouldn’t you say? Curator: Absolutely. It’s fascinating how the print attempts to represent the progression of watercraft over time. We see a clear attempt to showcase various vessel types, from rudimentary rafts to more sophisticated sailing ships. I would also observe that the artist’s reference to “Kinderprenten” speaks to a potentially didactic purpose to be examined in relation to then-contemporary education. Editor: It definitely has that textbook vibe, doesn't it? But look closer—some of those early boats are just hilarious. People clinging to logs! It really highlights humanity’s tenacious spirit of getting around no matter what. And hey, the Roman galley looks suspiciously like a floating swan, no? I mean, did they actually glide around like that or did the artist maybe took some… liberties? Curator: Indeed! In its visual narrative and potential distortion, this work offers an opportunity to consider how historical representation is intertwined with artistic license, and to question whose history and whose visual culture we are really seeing. One might investigate further how the visual rhetoric constructs notions of "progress" linked with Western modes of transportation in relationship to the selected subjects. Editor: Right! It makes you wonder what Funke considered 'advanced' or 'important' enough to include. What narratives are we *not* seeing here? But on a more personal note, these detailed engravings are just gorgeous, such fine linework! I feel like grabbing my sketchbook and trying my own history-of-cupcakes chart. Curator: I see your impulse there—and Funke’s print encourages this act of personal reflection and revision. It also serves as a potent reminder that art can function as both a reflection of societal values and a subtle instigator of critical dialogue with history. Editor: Absolutely! This little print makes you think big time, eh? Like where we have been, where are we going and can my next vehicle resemble floating swan... That’s art at its best!