Khoikhoi die een koe melkt 1727

Jan Caspar Philips created this print, "Khoikhoi die een koe melkt," sometime in the 18th century. Here, Philips depicts members of the Khoikhoi people in South Africa engaged in milking a cow. This image offers a glimpse into the cultural biases and perceptions of the Dutch during the colonial era. The Khoikhoi are shown in what appears to be a state of nature, contrasting sharply with the assumed sophistication of European society. How the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations? The act of milking a cow is presented as a novelty, as suggested by the text below the image which translates to ‘A curious way of milking cows and making butter.’ Studying sources from the Dutch East India Company and travelogues from the period would allow a richer understanding of the social context in which Philips created this image and how such depictions played into the colonial narrative. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.