Jan Pieterszoon Koen. - Geb. 8 Januarij 1587, overleden 20 September 1629 1850 - 1881

This is a 19th-century print depicting scenes from the life of Jan Pieterszoon Koen, an officer of the Dutch East India Company. Observe how the visual narrative unfolds through sequential images. Each scene bears witness to a moment in Koen's life, encapsulating themes of leadership, negotiation, and death. Notice the name "Batavia" prominently displayed, referring to the colonial capital established by Koen. The act of naming holds significant cultural power. Consider the classical concept of "translatio imperii," the transfer of power and civilization from one region to another. The act of renaming territories after classical precedents, like Batavia, reflects a desire to legitimize colonial endeavors by connecting them to the grandeur of the past. This cyclical progression of history demonstrates how symbols and narratives resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.