Octant Possibly 1770 - 1808

Jan Brandes created this drawing of an octant, a navigational instrument, during his travels in the late 18th or early 19th century. Brandes, as an artist and a clergyman, navigated the world with both a spiritual and scientific lens, documenting his journeys through drawings and writings. Consider the historical context: The octant was vital during an era of extensive European maritime exploration and colonialism. It symbolizes a quest for knowledge, but also the exercise of power over distant lands and people. Who were the people using these instruments? Predominantly white, male navigators, backed by European empires. The octant therefore embodies a gendered and racialized history of exploration, trade, and colonization. Brandes’ drawing invites us to reflect on the complex, interwoven dynamics of exploration, identity, and power during this transformative era.