Lijst met namen van in fotoalbum afgebeelde personen (nrs. 12 t/m 30) c. 1860 - 1984

Editor: This is "Lijst met namen van in fotoalbum afgebeelde personen (nrs. 12 t/m 30)," made around 1860-1884, an anonymous ink and pen drawing on paper at the Rijksmuseum. It's a list of names... a historical who's-who, almost? The aged paper really sets a mood. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: The fascinating aspect here lies in the materiality and process. This isn't just a list; it's a document of labor, isn't it? Consider the time involved in the hand-lettering, the creation of ink, the sourcing and treatment of the paper. Each of those names represents a relationship to these processes. Do you think the seemingly simple presentation could downplay how it intersects with wider economy? Editor: I see your point! I hadn't really considered the sheer labor involved in its creation. But is that all there is to it? Just the materials and process? Curator: No, absolutely not! The *choice* of these materials matters too. Why pen and ink rather than print? Ink solidifies each written word. Paper preserves, archives, while becoming an increasingly rare medium, creating scarcity. By extension, this is about archiving power—a material claim about whose names deserve recording, archiving. I wonder who produced it, who commissioned the labor, and whose histories get elided. It points to networks of patronage and production, doesn't it? Editor: That's a fascinating point about archiving power through material choice. So much to think about with a simple list! Curator: Exactly! It reminds us to examine the often-unseen processes of creating and preserving art and history. Editor: I never would have looked at it that way without your insight. Thank you!