Benedenstad Batavia 1870 - 1923

"Benedenstad Batavia" is a watercolor painting by Dutch artist Willem Witsen. It depicts a scene of a canal in Batavia (Jakarta), Indonesia with the characteristic buildings of the city, including houses with red tiled roofs. The artwork, dated between 1870 and 1923, is a testament to Witsen's interest in depicting the everyday life of people in the Dutch East Indies. The painting showcases the artist's signature style of realism and attention to detail, particularly in the portrayal of the buildings and the water reflecting the sky. Currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, the work offers a glimpse into the urban landscape of Batavia during the colonial period.