Missionarissen 1869 - 1882

This print, titled 'Missionarissen', was created by Gerhardus Philippus Zalsman sometime in the 19th century. Though the printing process allowed for the relatively quick and easy reproduction of images, the method through which these images were originally designed and created required a great deal of time, skill and planning. The print is one of a series, as it is labeled ‘No. 60’ at the top. Each image is a different scene, and the text in between each would have been typeset, requiring a skilled compositor to arrange each letter by hand. The final print would have been made using a printing press, which applied pressure to transfer the ink from the printing plate to the paper. The scenes depicted here offer a glimpse into the history of missionary work in the Pacific. They reflect a complex interplay of culture, religion, and colonialism, each carefully etched and printed using techniques of reproduction, tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Ultimately, understanding the print's social and cultural context underscores the value and meaning of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.