Gezicht op een Nederlandse nederzetting met fort en haven in Indonesië Possibly 1845

J. G. van der Does made this watercolor view of a Dutch settlement in Indonesia. The work encapsulates many aspects of the colonial encounter, from military power to trade. In the background, a Dutch fort looms, symbolizing control and dominance, while ships in the harbor showcase the economic interests driving Dutch expansion. In the foreground, we see the local environment, with a native boat resting on the shore, perhaps hinting at the displacement and subjugation of the indigenous population. Made during a time of intense colonial activity, the image offers a glimpse into the visual codes through which Europeans understood and represented their imperial project. As historians, we can dig into archives and libraries to discover more about the artist, the settlement, and the Dutch East India Company. By examining this artwork in its full social and institutional context, we gain valuable insight into the dynamics of power and representation that shaped this historical moment.