Tuin en oprijlaan van een landhuis bij Tandjong Priok 1779 - 1785

Jan Brandes made this drawing of the garden and driveway of a country house near Tandjong Priok with pen in grey and brush in grey. The country house, most likely owned by a member of the Dutch East India Company, is presented as a status symbol, displaying wealth and power in the colony. Brandes’ image creates meaning through the depiction of social hierarchy and the contrast between the European elite and the local population. The architecture, the well-maintained garden, and the attire of the figures all point to the Dutch colonial presence in the region. We can understand this drawing better by researching the history of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia, the social structure of colonial society, and the role of country houses in the display of power and wealth. The drawing serves as a reminder of the complex social and institutional histories that shape artistic production.