Durian Possibly 1784

Jan Brandes made this drawing of a durian fruit with ink and watercolor in the late eighteenth century. Brandes was an employee of the Dutch East India Company which, during that time, had a monopoly over trade in the region. This botanical drawing offers insights into the cultural exchange between Europe and Southeast Asia during the colonial era. The meticulous detail reflects a scientific interest in cataloging and understanding the natural world. However, it also served economic interests by documenting resources that could be exploited for trade. The inclusion of Dutch text alongside the image suggests an audience within the Company, who were likely interested in the durian's potential commercial value. The durian, a fruit native to Southeast Asia, was exotic to Europeans. Through detailed records such as this drawing, the Dutch East India Company catalogued foreign societies and customs. Understanding this artwork requires exploring the archives of the Dutch East India Company and other historical sources.