Portret van een Javaan c. 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth made this drawing, Portret van een Javaan, with graphite and charcoal. It is a sensitive depiction of a Javanese man made during a period of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia. The term ‘Javaan’ itself reflects a colonial mindset, grouping individuals by origin rather than identity. The drawing appears to be a study, perhaps made in preparation for a more formal portrait or other work. It is interesting to consider the motivations behind creating such an image. Was it an attempt to understand and appreciate Javanese culture, or was it merely an exercise in capturing an exotic subject? The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, plays a role in shaping our understanding of this complex history. By looking at archival materials, letters, and other documents, we can gain greater insight into the social and institutional context in which it was made, and better understand its significance today.