Javaanse hulptroepen van de Compagnie Possibly 1779 - 1788

Jan Brandes created this watercolor drawing, titled "Javanese Auxiliary Troops of the Company," in the late 18th century. It shows Javanese soldiers who were employed by the Dutch East India Company, which held sway over much of the Indonesian archipelago at that time. Brandes' work can be seen as a visual document that captures the complex social and political dynamics of the colonial era. The drawing depicts a group of Javanese soldiers, distinguished by their traditional clothing and weaponry. Meanwhile, the background shows European-influenced military formations. The image subtly reflects the power dynamics at play, revealing a hierarchy where the indigenous soldiers were integrated into the Company's military structure, but remained distinct. To fully understand this image, we have to investigate the archives of the Dutch East India Company, travelogues of the period, and studies of Javanese social history. Brandes' image is a reminder that art is always contingent on the social and institutional contexts in which it is made.