Gezichten op de dierentuin in Rotterdam 1865

Editor: This is “Gezichten op de dierentuin in Rotterdam,” or “Views of the Rotterdam Zoo,” a lithograph print from 1865 by Hendrik Wilhelmus Last. It’s a series of vignettes arranged around a central view of the zoo. It's charming but feels very formal, like a prospectus. How would you interpret this work within its historical context? Curator: This print presents a meticulously curated vision of the Rotterdam Zoo, offering insight into the values and aspirations of its time. Consider how zoos themselves functioned within the social fabric of the 19th century. What role did they play? Editor: Well, I suppose they were places of recreation and education, but also… almost showcases of colonial power, displaying animals from all over the world. Curator: Exactly. Think about the role of institutions like zoos in shaping public understanding of the natural world, but also in reinforcing power structures through the display of exotic animals. Notice the formal attire of the visitors. What does that suggest to you? Editor: That it was meant to be respectable. A visit to the zoo wasn't just a casual thing; it was an event. I guess this print, therefore, also promoted that image of the zoo? Curator: Precisely! It's a deliberate presentation aimed at projecting a certain image, encouraging investment and cementing the zoo's place within Rotterdam's cultural landscape. It tells us a lot about what was deemed important to portray to the public. What do you take away from that? Editor: That even seemingly straightforward images can be complex when you consider the cultural forces at play in their creation and consumption. Curator: Precisely. It highlights how even a seemingly benign image of leisure is embedded in broader social and political dynamics.