De mensch 1850

Jan Schuitemaker created this undated print titled ‘De Mensch’ which translates to ‘The Human Race’ for a children’s magazine. At first glance, it presents itself as an innocent attempt to categorize people by skin color and geographical origin. Yet, a closer look reveals the underlying ideologies of the time. The print reflects a colonial mindset, categorizing people into racial groups that were then understood to be hierarchical. The representation of "Blanken," or white people, in European attire contrasts sharply with the more generalized and sometimes stereotypical depictions of other groups. Schuitemaker's work reflects the scientific racism of the era, which attempted to create a visual order of human diversity to justify European dominance. The emotional impact is subtle but pervasive. By framing the "human race" in this way, Schuitemaker's print contributes to a narrative that perpetuates the othering of non-European peoples, and invites us to critically examine the historical context in which it was made.