Javanese Court Officials

oil on paper, c. 1820-1870

These five figures are representatives of the Javanese elite. The accurately depicted clothing and batik motifs signal where they come from and what their rank and status are. Knowledge of their etiquette and appearance was of great political importance to the colonial administration. The Javanese elite was increasingly deployed to control and exploit the colony in the first half of the 19th century.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberNG-2010-38
  • Dimensionsdepth 4.5 cm, height 196.8 cm x width 74.3 cm