Portrait of Willem van Outhoorn, Governor General of the Dutch East Indies 1691 - 1704

David van der Plas painted this oil on panel portrait of Willem van Outhoorn, Governor General of the Dutch East Indies, in the late 17th century. This portrait encapsulates the complex relationship between the Dutch Republic and its colonial possessions. Outhoorn's stern gaze and formal attire project authority and power, a visual assertion of Dutch dominance in the East Indies. But consider what's missing: any direct reference to the people or landscapes impacted by Dutch rule. Instead, we see a carefully constructed image designed to reinforce the legitimacy of the Dutch East India Company. To truly understand this portrait, we need to delve into the archives, exploring the Company's records and the voices of those who experienced Dutch colonialism firsthand. Only then can we fully grasp the social and institutional context that shaped both the creation and the lasting legacy of this image.