Expeditie tegen de Baliers op Lombok 1894

Editor: Here we have Wilhelm Achtenhagen's "Expeditie tegen de Baliers op Lombok" from 1894, a metal print in relief. The martial imagery feels really strong. What story does this piece tell, and how did it function at the time? Curator: This medal presents the Dutch military expedition against the Balinese on Lombok in 1894. Such objects acted as both commemorative tokens and as carefully crafted tools of imperial propaganda. Medals like these weren't simply about remembering a military event. They actively shaped public opinion about Dutch colonialism, normalizing it through visual narratives of strength and supposed justification. Notice how one side depicts a European figure triumphing over what appears to be a stylized lion. Editor: Yes, the depiction of the Balinese people is very different in style from the Europeans on the other side. The Balinese are highly stylized. Does this intentional contrast reflect a particular mindset of the time? Curator: Absolutely. The stylized portrayal served to "other" the Balinese, visually reinforcing a colonial hierarchy. The visual language is key. Think about how the medium, the production of multiples, would contribute to shaping a collective memory and national identity steeped in colonial exploits. Were the medals worn, gifted, or displayed, do you think? How might these practices influence society's acceptance of Dutch imperial exploits in Lombok and the surrounding areas? Editor: That’s a good point, I imagine display in public spaces would reinforce this imperial narrative. Now I realize there’s a complex interplay between art and the construction of national identity at play. Curator: Precisely. The "Expeditie tegen de Baliers op Lombok" offers a potent glimpse into the way art legitimized colonial ventures. Looking at such art prompts a very difficult, important discussion.