Mannen en vrouwen 1869 - 1882

Gerhardus Philippus Zalsman created this print, "Mannen en Vrouwen," using lithography. It presents a comparative study of different people. Made in the Netherlands, this artwork engages with the period’s fascination with categorizing human diversity, reflecting the pseudoscientific ideas which sustained European colonialism. Each figure is labeled by race or origin, "The European," "The African" and accompanied by verses in Dutch which outline their supposed characteristics. Notice how the European is presented formally while the African is dressed in tatters, and consider the politics of this imagery. What does it mean for the colonial project? As historians, we look at how these images create meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Researching Dutch colonial history can reveal much about the social and political forces shaping the work. Art, in this sense, doesn't just reflect society, but actively participates in its construction.