Kokosnoot met drie harten Possibly 1779 - 1788

Here we have Jan Brandes’ watercolor drawing, "Coconut with Three Hearts," dating back to the late 18th century. The composition immediately draws our eye to the centrally positioned coconut, cleaved in half to expose its three heart-shaped segments. Brandes’ technique emphasizes form and texture over vibrant color. The muted palette and delicate lines create a sense of scientific precision and naturalism. However, it’s the arrangement of these three segments that intrigues us. Brandes seems to use the coconut as a signifier, embedding cultural codes within his artwork. Coconuts could represent fertility, prosperity, or even exoticism. The tri-segmented heart of the coconut may disrupt these fixed meanings, engaging with new ways of thinking about space and representation. Notice how the detailed husk contrasts with the smooth, almost fleshy hearts within. This juxtaposition isn't merely aesthetic. It highlights a tension between the external and internal, the rough and the refined, prompting us to reconsider the cultural and philosophical discourses surrounding nature and representation.