Sampan en prauw 1779 - 1785

"Sampan en prauw" is a pencil drawing by Dutch artist Jan Brandes created between 1779 and 1785. The work depicts two boats, a sampan and a prauw, with figures onboard, each labeled with its name below. The small scale of the drawing, measuring 106 mm in height and 133 mm in width, suggests it may be a study or sketch, capturing the artist's quick observations of the boats and their passengers. Brandes, known for his detailed depictions of landscapes and maritime scenes, likely created this work during his travels in Southeast Asia, where he was inspired by the local culture and boats. The drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's observational skills and his interest in documenting the diverse aspects of Southeast Asian life.