Omtrent 100 Jaar voor Christus geboorte c. 1789 - 1810

This pen with grey ink drawing, titled 'About 100 Years Before Christ's Birth,' was created by an anonymous artist. The image depicts a scene of indigenous peoples in boats, set against a backdrop of a river, dramatic cliffs, and lush trees. The work reflects the colonial gaze prevalent during its creation, framing indigenous life through a lens of Western curiosity and control. What is particularly striking is how this drawing, while ostensibly documenting a specific time and place, becomes a site for exploring the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation itself. It invites us to consider whose stories are told, and how they are shaped by the perspectives of those in positions of authority. The anonymous nature of the artist further complicates our understanding, as it obscures the personal motivations and biases that may have influenced the work. This piece, therefore, becomes a powerful reminder of the complexities of cultural exchange and the enduring legacies of colonialism in shaping our understanding of the past.