Poedak, Javaanse bloem Possibly 1785

Jan Brandes made this drawing of the Javaanse bloem, or Javanese flower, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. He used ink and watercolor on paper, in a style that reflects both scientific illustration and the European tradition of botanical art. The drawing is remarkably detailed, capturing the plant’s delicate textures and forms. Note how the plant is presented on the page; the orientation, the way light is represented, and the meticulous detail. The image is clearly intended to communicate accurate information. As a historical object, this drawing also speaks to the social context of its creation. Brandes was not only an artist, but also a clergyman working for the Dutch East India Company, which actively gathered information, artifacts, and natural specimens from across the globe to further the aims of colonization and commerce. Thinking about this context helps us appreciate the importance of materials, making, and social context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork. It challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft, fine art and scientific pursuit.