Ritmeester van de Bengaalsche Lanciers, te paard, in groote tenue, Troepen in de Oost-Indiën 1823

Joannes Bemme created this print of the Ritmeester van de Bengaalsche Lanciers, te paard, in groote tenue, Troepen in de Oost-Indiën, sometime between 1790 and 1841. It offers a glimpse into the Dutch colonial presence in the East Indies, specifically Bengal. This image isn't just a depiction of a military figure; it encapsulates complex power dynamics. The Dutch officer, in his elaborate uniform, embodies the authority of the colonial power, while the term 'Bengaalsche Lanciers' hints at the involvement and, perhaps, the coercion of local populations in the colonial military structure. The artwork prompts us to consider issues of race, class, and the imposition of foreign rule, as well as the personal stories of those who were part of this history. What does it mean to represent someone in ‘groote tenue’? Does it create an emotional distance? Or perhaps instill a sense of intimidation? This image invites us to reflect on the emotional and physical landscapes of colonialism and its legacy.