De kraton te Djocja (Mataram) 1779 - 1785

Jan Brandes made this drawing of the Kraton, or royal palace, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, sometime between 1743 and 1808, using pen and brush in grey ink. The paper support is quite thin, allowing the ink to bleed slightly, creating soft edges that contrast with the linear precision of the architecture. Notice how the light washes and fine strokes give depth to the scene, emphasizing the texture of the wooden fences and the foliage of the trees. The controlled application of ink, through hatching and stippling, suggests a meticulous process, reflecting Brandes's attention to detail. The drawing's cultural significance lies in its depiction of a prominent site of governance and cultural tradition. Consider how the materials, the pen and paper, link this depiction to colonial visual culture, and how the act of drawing served as a means of documentation and cultural exchange. Paying attention to materials and processes encourages us to consider the wider social issues and labor involved in its production.