Overwinning op de Portugese vloot voor Bantam (linkerblad), 1601 1603 - 1610

This 1601 engraving, titled "Overwinning op de Portugese vloot voor Bantam," depicts a naval battle, and offers insight into the complexities of Dutch colonial ambitions. Made anonymously, this print shows the victory over the Portuguese fleet near Bantam, Java. The image is rich with symbolism, reflecting the period's geopolitical tensions and the rise of the Dutch East India Company. The inclusion of a map showing Borneo and Java, combines a display of naval power with geographical control. The sea battle is framed by European heraldry and classical mythological figures, which seems a pointed attempt to legitimize Dutch maritime dominance. Yet, this representation is from a decidedly European perspective, one that frames the East Indies as a space ripe for conquest. The image, while commemorating a Dutch victory, reminds us of the violence, exploitation, and lasting impact of colonialism on the people and lands of Southeast Asia. This is a visual artifact embedded in the history of trade, power, and cultural exchange.