Landschap in Nederlands-Indië 1827

Daniël (I) Veelwaard created this print, "Landschap in Nederlands-Indië", sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It offers a window into the Dutch colonial gaze upon what is now Indonesia. The image presents a serene, almost Edenic view of the landscape, complete with palm trees and a humble dwelling. Yet, this idealized depiction obscures the harsh realities of colonial exploitation and the profound cultural disruption experienced by the indigenous population. How might the people who lived in this landscape have viewed this scene? This work is not just a landscape; it is a statement of possession and power. As you consider this print, reflect on the stories it tells and, perhaps more importantly, the stories it leaves out.