Decoraties in de Lutherse kerk te Batavia 1779 - 1785

This is a sketch in graphite by Jan Brandes of decorations in the Lutheran Church of Batavia. The image evokes the complex cultural landscape of 18th-century Batavia, now Jakarta, Indonesia, then a major trading hub of the Dutch East India Company. Batavia was a melting pot of European, Indonesian, and Chinese influences and the Lutheran Church catered primarily to the European population, mainly Dutch, but also Germans and Scandinavians. The sketch depicts ornate Baroque decorations, reflecting the European tastes of the elite class in Batavia at the time. The inclusion of cherubs and classical motifs, such as theatrical masks, reflects the influence of European art and culture on the colony, yet, these decorations were crafted by local artisans, indicating a fusion of styles and techniques. To fully understand this work, we can consult archives of the Dutch East India Company, church records, and studies of colonial art and architecture in Indonesia. This sketch offers a glimpse into the social and institutional history of Batavia, revealing the cultural exchanges and power dynamics at play in this colonial society.