Portret van Kiay Modjo 1828

Jean Augustin Daiwaille made this portrait of Kiay Modjo using lithography, a printing technique that allowed for more affordable and accessible images. During the 19th century, European artists often depicted people from colonized regions through a Western lens, frequently reinforcing power dynamics. Kiay Modjo, an exiled Javanese nobleman, is portrayed here with a sense of dignity, yet the very act of representation carries the weight of colonial encounter. How does Modjo's serene gaze meet the viewer's, and what does it mean to see him mediated through the artistic conventions of the time? This image invites us to reflect on the complexities of cultural exchange and representation during a period marked by colonialism. It encourages us to consider the individuals behind the portraits and their stories, challenging us to look beyond surface appearances and engage with the deeper historical context.