Portret van een Soendanese man c. 1921

Willem Witsen created this portrait of a Sundanese man using etching. The piece invites us to reflect on the dynamics of cultural exchange and representation during the era of Dutch colonialism. The gaze of the sitter is both direct and enigmatic. What was his story, his identity, beyond the representation crafted by a European artist? This image exists because of the colonial encounter. It reflects the power dynamics inherent in such encounters, where one culture observes and interprets another. Witsen's work prompts us to consider the ethics of portraiture across cultural divides and how art can perpetuate or challenge stereotypes. It encourages a dialogue about the complexities of identity and representation in a colonial context. This is not just a picture, it's a silent conversation across centuries, inviting us to listen deeply.