Griekenland. - 1,000,000 inwoners 1850

Curator: This is "Griekenland - 1,000,000 inwoners," a lithograph printed by Jan Schuitemaker around 1850. It’s an interesting piece, depicting a series of scenes and a map of Greece. Editor: It certainly has an antique, almost textbook-like feel to it. The subdued color palette, the ordered layout of the different landscapes…it feels very contained. What does this kind of print tell us about representations of Greece in the mid-19th century? Curator: Technically, we can examine how Schuitemaker employs a variety of lines and textures in this work. Observe the delicate hatching used to create shadows and depth in each cityscape. Note, too, the geometrical structuring of space within the miniature map, offering a scientifically codified view. Editor: Right, and consider this 'scientifically codified view' as part of a broader political project! Think of the rising tide of philhellenism in Europe during this period. This print, I imagine, served as a way to disseminate particular visual constructions of Greece for the Dutch youth--emphasizing its historical landmarks while subtly downplaying Ottoman influences. Curator: Well, to get back to matters of form, the composition neatly divides the informational and pictorial elements of each subject. The typography has an objectivity, like captions. But it frames something far more elaborate and visually seductive. Editor: I think you are right, though, this is clearly aimed at ‘youth’-- so in that light we could suggest it’s more about creating an origin story…with classical cityscapes carefully composed with legible maps—it tells them "This is who we were", as much as who 'they', the Greeks are. Curator: That is an interesting point. So while it is very organized in form it offers also a kind of identity construct too? Very good. Editor: Exactly. It presents both factual geography, and cultural aspirations packaged within each vignette. So powerful indeed.