Inwoners van Makassar 1860

Coenraad Ritsema made this print, "Inwoners van Makassar," using lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. The medium involved drawing with a greasy crayon on a stone, then using chemical processes to transfer the image to paper. The lithograph’s graphic nature emphasizes the scene's ethnographic qualities, documenting the people and their musical instruments with clarity. The drums, gongs, and xylophone-like instruments are depicted with careful attention to form and texture, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in their creation. Consider, too, the labor involved in both the musical performances represented and the printmaking itself. Lithography, while more accessible than engraving, still required skilled artisans. The image captures a moment of cultural expression, but also hints at the complex social dynamics of colonial Indonesia, where Dutch artists like Ritsema played a role in representing and interpreting local life for a European audience. Appreciating these layers of making and meaning allows us to see beyond the surface of the image.