Portret van een Soendanese man c. 1921

This etching by Dutch artist Willem Witsen, titled "Portret van een Soendanese man" (Portrait of a Sundanese Man) and dating from around 1921, is a striking example of his interest in depicting the diverse people of the Dutch East Indies. The artwork features a close-up portrait of a young man with a serious expression, his gaze directed downward. He is adorned with a traditional headdress, highlighting the cultural identity of the subject. The simplified lines and textured shading in the etching create a sense of depth and realism, capturing the individual’s character and dignity. Witsen's work is known for its social commentary and its engagement with the realities of colonialism and the cultural exchanges between Europe and the East.