Sinhalese soldier and a labourer 1662

Esaias Boursse made this drawing of a Sinhalese soldier and a labourer with graphite. At first glance, the grayscale palette emphasizes the figures' contours, delineating their forms with precision. Note how Boursse's technical skill is evident in the drapery's delicate rendering and the subjects' anatomical accuracy. This approach aligns with the period's interest in empirical observation and classification. The composition, structured by the linear arrangement of the figures, suggests a comparative study. Each figure is meticulously rendered. Yet, the drawings expose the power dynamics inherent in representation. Boursse's gaze, informed by his cultural background, inevitably shapes our perception. Are these faithful representations, or do they reflect colonial attitudes?