Khoikhoi en kolonisten op Kaapse vlakte Possibly 1786

Jan Brandes created this watercolor drawing, "Khoikhoi en kolonisten op Kaapse vlakte," using paper, a quill, and watercolor paints, around the late 18th century. The thinness of the watercolor allows the texture of the paper to subtly show through, giving the flat plains a sense of depth. Note how Brandes captures a scene of cultural encounter, using the material of watercolor to record what he sees. The subdued palette reflects the landscape's muted tones, while the deliberate strokes define the figures of the Khoikhoi people and the colonist settlers. The work reflects the social dynamics of the time, and the labor involved in colonial expansion. Consider how the use of watercolor, a medium often associated with documentation and observation, is here employed to capture a moment of cultural and economic exchange. It’s a powerful reminder of how artistic materials and methods are intertwined with the social context of their creation.