Indië 1772 - 1779

Etienne Claude Voysard created this print, ‘Indië’, using etching techniques. The work overflows with symbolic representations of the East. Look closely and you’ll see each motif carefully chosen for its historical and cultural weight. Notice the mirror with the image reflected on it; the lion’s head, and the architectural structures. These are not merely decorative but are laden with meaning. The mirror, often seen in the context of vanity, here reflects an image of another place and thus becomes a portal into a different world, full of promise and exoticism. The lion’s head, a symbol of power and royalty, is here used in a context that reflects European colonial ambitions. Architectural structures represent a place of shelter, thus the ‘Indië’ becomes a promise for those seeking it. The recurrence of the symbols takes us on a journey through time, reminding us of our deep-seated desire for something new and unknown. We find ourselves face to face with our own aspirations and trepidations. It is a reflection of our subconscious, our collective memory, and our shared human experience.