Politieke allegorie; de kroon van Boeginese koning Possibly 1779 - 1787

This is "Politieke allegorie; de kroon van Boeginese koning," a drawing made by Jan Brandes around the late 18th century. The open notebook page reveals a layered composition that juxtaposes text with sketched scenes and a detailed rendering of a crown. The dominant visual experience is one of fragmentation, where each element competes for attention, yet the underlying structure suggests a deliberate arrangement. Brandes uses line and form to construct a narrative across the page. At the top, a series of figures are outlined with quick, expressive lines. The crown, colored in shades of gold, introduces a focal point through its symbolic weight and detailed execution. The juxtaposition of text and image invites a semiotic interpretation. Each functions as a sign contributing to a broader commentary, perhaps challenging fixed meanings or engaging with power representation. The visual arrangement and the use of annotations reflect a structuralist approach to understanding cultural artifacts, suggesting that meaning is created through the relationships between different elements within a system. The interplay between the sketches and the detailed crown destabilizes a singular reading, underscoring art as a site for ongoing interpretation and reinterpretation.