Krijger uit Ternate c. 1675 - 1725

This is a watercolour and pencil drawing of a warrior from Ternate made by an anonymous artist. The image is dominated by the figure of a warrior, positioned dynamically as if caught in mid-stride. His posture is diagonal, creating a sense of movement. The limited colour palette focuses on earth tones for the figure and ground, contrasted with the soft blue of his shorts. This tonal contrast allows for the figure to stand out against the muted background. The artist has used light and shadow to model the warrior's body, emphasizing musculature and lending a three-dimensional quality to the figure. Structurally, the composition relies on a balance between the detailed rendering of the warrior and the simplicity of the background, drawing attention to his physical form and the tools of his trade, the bow and arrows. The image prompts us to consider how representations of indigenous peoples during this period reflect broader colonial narratives and power dynamics.