Gezicht op Demak 1762 - 1783

This drawing by A. de Nelly depicts a view of Demak, showcasing symbols of trade and power. The most prominent is the Dutch flag, a potent emblem of colonial presence and mercantile ambition, asserting dominance over the landscape. Notice the flag's omnipresence in similar scenes across continents. Whether it is in the Americas, Africa, or Asia, the flag remains a steadfast claim of possession. Yet, the psychological implications extend beyond mere ownership. The presence of the armed men could evoke a sense of unease or enforced order. Even the depiction of local flora and fauna—the birds in the foreground, the palm trees—serve a dual purpose. While they add an air of authenticity, they also signify the exotic, the 'other,' reinforcing the dichotomy between the colonizer and the colonized. These symbols are not static; they morph, adapt, and resurface, echoing through time with shifting connotations.