Portret van Per Johan Wimermark 1788 - 1806

This is Jan Brandes’ pencil drawing “Portret van Per Johan Wimermark.” Brandes created it sometime between 1743 and 1808, during an era defined by Enlightenment ideals and the rise of the Dutch East India Company. Brandes, who worked for the Dutch East India Company, had a deep interest in diverse cultures and religions. This interest complicates how we view the colonial project. The drawing invites reflection on identity and representation. Wimermark is depicted with a composed demeanor, embodying the decorum expected of prominent figures during that time. Yet, the softness of the pencil lines gives an accessibility which perhaps challenges the formal conventions of portraiture. The artwork is quiet, inviting us to consider the individuals and their stories that are often overshadowed by grand historical narratives. It captures a fleeting moment, a human connection across time and cultures.