The Dutch in the Americas: A Lecture by Dr. Stephanie Porras

Explore the influential yet often overlooked role of the Dutch in the early modern Americas in this insightful lecture by renowned art historian Dr. Stephanie Porras. Join us on November 15, 2024, at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts in Kingston for “The Dutch in the Americas,” a deep dive into the complex legacy of the Dutch in North America, the Caribbean, South America, and beyond.

Dr. Porras, Professor of Art History and Chair of the Newcomb Art Department at Tulane University, will illuminate the Dutch colonial project’s far-reaching impact on trade, visual culture, mapping, navigation, and more. From the beaver pelts and sugar plantations to the diverse population—including French Huguenots, Sephardic Jews, and enslaved Africans—the Dutch brought a mix of cultural influences and economic ambitions that shaped the Americas in unexpected ways.

Attendees will gain a unique perspective on the role of Dutch artists, artworks, and material goods in the Americas, as well as their intersections with Indigenous allies and enslaved populations. This talk will offer an alternative lens through which to view the colonial Americas, enriching our understanding of global exchange and cultural diversity.

Dr. Stephanie Porras specializes in the visual and material cultures of Northern Europe, the Spanish world, and the Dutch Atlantic from the 15th to the 17th centuries. She is an esteemed scholar and author, with recent publications including The First Viral Images: Maerten de Vos, Antwerp Print, and the Early Modern Globe (2023). Dr. Porras is also the outgoing Reviews Editor for the Art Bulletin and sits on the editorial board of the Netherlands Yearbook for History of Art.

📅 Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET), with a reception to follow
📍 Location: Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King St W, Kingston, ON

Don’t miss this captivating opportunity to journey into the Dutch colonial history in the Americas, as Dr. Porras brings to light a story of trade, artistry, and cultural blending that has left an indelible mark on both sides of the Atlantic.