Kruiden en knolgewassen op Java, 1596 1597 - 1646

This print, "Kruiden en knolgewassen op Java," was made in 1596 by an anonymous artist. It's an etching, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed. The stark contrast of the lines gives the image a sense of directness, almost scientific observation. But let's think about what it depicts: plants from Java. Why would a European artist be so interested? The answer, of course, is trade. Spices and produce were incredibly valuable commodities. The labor required to cultivate and transport them fueled a vast colonial project. Look closely and you will notice people in the background. They are part of this economic equation, their work rendered invisible by the print itself. This image, made with skill and care, is thus not just a botanical study. It's also a document of power, consumption, and the complex relationship between Europe and the rest of the world.