Post bezorgen 1868 - 1881

This print titled ‘Post bezorgen’ was created by Gualtherus Kolff in the 19th century. It offers us a window into the Dutch colonial postal system in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. The artwork visualizes different facets of mail delivery, from horse-drawn carriages and horseback riders to postal workers handling letters and packages. It's striking how the print juxtaposes the traditional modes of transport with the formal attire of postal workers, highlighting the intersection of local customs and colonial administrative practices. The print is part of a series intended for education. Consider the power dynamics inherent in the colonial context, where images and knowledge were often used to shape perceptions and reinforce control. How did this influence the representation of labor and landscape in the artwork? It invites us to reflect on the cultural exchanges and impositions that defined this era.