Straat met poort in de nagebouwde stad Oud-Holland op de Wereldtentoonstelling voor het Hotel- en Reiswezen van 1895 1895

Jan Hoynck van Papendrecht created this pencil drawing of a street scene at the 1895 World Exhibition for the Hotel and Travel Industry. It depicts the "Old Holland" exhibit, a constructed historical environment. Here, the artist isn't just capturing a scene, but also commenting on how nations construct and market their identities. World's Fairs were key sites for countries to showcase their cultural and industrial achievements, often glossing over complex realities. In "Old Holland," we see a romanticized version of the past, likely intended to attract tourists. The choice of historical attire and quaint architecture creates a sense of nostalgia. What is missing are the socio-economic issues and the realities of daily life in the Netherlands during the era being represented. Understanding this drawing requires us to look at the historical context of world exhibitions and Dutch cultural identity in the late 19th century. By exploring archival materials and exhibition catalogs, we can better understand the motivations behind this constructed "Old Holland" and its role in shaping perceptions of the nation.