Inwoners van Goa, 1726 1726

This etching, "Inwoners van Goa," was made in 1726 after a design by Carel Allard. It provides a glimpse into the Dutch perception of Goa, India, during a period of intense colonial activity. The image presents a Goan woman of apparent high status accompanied by a servant, alongside a man gesturing towards the city and harbor, filled with ships. The Dutch flag flying above the fortress emphasizes the Dutch East India Company's presence and power. This reflects the Company’s influence in global trade and colonial governance. Allard's rendering offers a glimpse into the social hierarchy and the impact of Dutch mercantile operations on the region. Analyzing such works involves delving into Dutch archives, travel literature, and Company records to uncover the complex relationships between colonizers and the colonized. Only then can we fully appreciate the social conditions that shaped artistic production.