Fruitbomen en kruiden op Java, 1596 1646

This 17th-century engraving, "Fruitbomen en kruiden op Java, 1596" (Fruit Trees and Herbs on Java, 1596), is an anonymous work depicting various plants and trees found in Java, Indonesia. The print, with its meticulous detail and scientific labeling, likely served as a botanical illustration for a larger publication. It offers a glimpse into early European fascination with the exotic flora of the East Indies, reflecting the era's exploration of new territories and botanical discoveries. The work is now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, providing a historical perspective on the intersections of art, science, and colonialism.