Portret van Hamangkoe Boewono VI, de sultan van Jogyakarta c. 1851 - 1883

This is a portrait of Hamangkoe Boewono VI, the sultan of Jogyakarta, made by Johan Hendrik Hoffmeister using lithography. Lithography, unlike traditional printmaking techniques, relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The artist draws on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applies water. The water adheres to the bare stone, while the greasy areas repel it. When ink is rolled over the surface, it sticks only to the greasy drawing, which is then printed onto paper. This process allowed for a relatively quick and efficient reproduction of images, perfectly suited to the colonial context in which Hoffmeister was working. The precision and detail achievable through lithography lent an air of authority to the Sultan's image, reinforcing his position within the colonial power structure. The print makes accessible the Sultan’s likeness, circulating his image widely, solidifying his presence as both a leader and a figure subject to colonial gaze. Considering the print, and the broader historical context, highlights how it challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.