Carel Herman Aart van der Wijck (1840-1914). Gouverneur-generaal (1893-99) 1900

Here we see a painted portrait of Carel Herman Aart van der Wijck made by Louis Storm van 's-Gravensande. The artist used traditional oil paints and techniques to depict the Governor-General in what appears to be full regalia. The material qualities of oil paint allow for rich colors and detailed textures, especially noticeable in the gold embroidery and medals adorning van der Wijck's jacket. These elements speak volumes about his status and power within the Dutch colonial system. Oil paintings such as this one were luxury items, typically commissioned by or for the wealthy and powerful. The labor involved extended beyond the artist to include those who prepared the canvas and pigments. Consider the social context: this portrait not only represents an individual but also embodies the complex history of Dutch colonialism, revealing how artistic materials and processes were intertwined with politics, labor, and consumption. Appreciating the full meaning of this work requires that we look at its materiality and making alongside its historical setting.