Figuurstudie van een man met tulband en zwaard 1824 - 1880

Raden Saleh made this sketch of a man with a turban and sword using graphite and possibly watercolor on paper. Saleh was one of the first Indonesian artists to study in Europe, and his work often reflects a blend of Western academic style and Indonesian subject matter. This drawing, although a study, hints at the complex cultural interactions of the 19th century. The man's attire speaks to a generalized Orientalism prevalent in European art at the time, yet it's filtered through Saleh's unique perspective as an Indonesian artist working within a European framework. Consider the power dynamics at play; Saleh, supported by the Dutch colonial government, navigates the art world while representing figures from a culture often exoticized by the West. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, also has its own institutional history, reflecting the collecting practices of a colonial power. To fully appreciate this work, we can delve into the archives of colonial history, exhibition records, and Saleh's biography. Through careful investigation, we reveal the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple sketch.