Two Sinhalese soldiers 1662

Esaias Boursse sketched these Two Sinhalese Soldiers with graphite on paper sometime in the mid-17th century. Graphite, a relatively soft and readily available material, allowed Boursse to capture the likeness and detail of his subjects efficiently. Notice how the quality of the graphite lines varies. Boursse uses delicate, thin strokes to define the figures' features and clothing, while broader, shaded areas create volume and depth. The paper, likely a common writing or sketching material at the time, bears the marks of the artist's hand, with slight imperfections and variations in texture that add to the drawing's intimacy. Consider the social context, as Boursse was a Dutch artist working for the Dutch East India Company, which held sway in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. The drawing is not merely an objective record, but evidence of European colonial expansion and its complicated legacy. Looking at the material and the making of this drawing gives us insight into the complexities of cross-cultural exchange and representation during the age of exploration and trade.