Hurkend figuur en een sado in Buitenzorg c. 1921

Willem Witsen captured in ink this image of daily life in Buitenzorg, now Bogor, Indonesia. Our attention is drawn to a figure crouching in the foreground. This pose, common across cultures, signifies humility or supplication. Think of ancient Egyptian art, where kneeling was a mark of respect before the gods. Now, consider its evolution through medieval Christian art, depicting figures in prayer, kneeling before the divine. Though the context shifts, the core idea of reverence remains. The persistence of this posture speaks to its deep roots in the human psyche, representing not only physical submission but also an emotional surrender. It resurfaces, evolving and taking on new meanings, yet echoing its ancient origins. It engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level.