Hollands bruidsfeest te Batavia 1779 - 1785

"Hollands bruidsfeest te Batavia," a watercolor by Jan Brandes, depicts a Dutch wedding celebration in Batavia (present-day Jakarta, Indonesia) during the 18th century. The scene showcases the grandeur of colonial life with a crowded room adorned with mirrors, chandeliers, and portraits, and a diverse assembly of European and Indonesian figures. The detailed costumes and elaborate setting provide a glimpse into the social customs and cultural exchange of the Dutch East India Company. This artwork offers insight into the Dutch colonial presence in Southeast Asia and the intricate social fabric of that era.