Spotprent met twee Indische dames in Den Haag, 1869 1869

This print by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, made in 1869, depicts two women of Dutch-Indonesian heritage in The Hague. The print offers a glimpse into the complex social hierarchies and racial dynamics of the Dutch colonial era. The women, referred to as "Oost-Indische Jonkvrouwen" or "East-Indian Young Ladies," are portrayed in a manner that reflects the prevailing attitudes toward people of mixed heritage. The text accompanying the image, in Dutch, reveals their fascination and perhaps fear of a "gladah" or someone of indigenous descent. The mention of "Papa" and "Meijer" coming back in 1871 suggests a longing for family and a connection to their Dutch roots, while also highlighting their liminal position between two cultures. It's a poignant reminder of the personal struggles and negotiations of identity that defined the lives of individuals caught between colonial power structures and their own sense of belonging.