Portrait of Joan Jacob Mauricius, Governor-General of Suriname 1741

Cornelis Troost made this portrait of Joan Jacob Mauricius, Governor-General of Suriname, in the 18th century. The painting reflects the Dutch Republic's global reach and its involvement in the colonial system. Mauricius's role as Governor-General of Suriname places him at the center of Dutch colonial administration and its associated activities, including the slave trade. Through visual codes and cultural references, the image creates meaning. Mauricius is surrounded by objects symbolizing worldly knowledge and power: books, a globe, and luxury goods from Asia. The reference to Rembrandt in the painting behind him also speaks to the artistic achievements of the Netherlands. The portrait can be seen as both a celebration of Dutch power and an implicit commentary on the social structures of the time, notably colonialism. Historical research and institutional records help contextualize and interpret such works of art, uncovering layers of meaning that reveal both the aspirations and the contradictions of the society that produced them.