If you might be Indonesian and you understand an artist named Raden Salih, you need to be proud. Raden Salih is one among the best Indonesian artists in history who described Indonesia’s fight for independence. Since he was a painter, he tells the story of Indonesia’s struggle not through writing, but through painting artistic endeavors. One of his masterpieces is Arrest of Prince Diponegoro.
Then there may be an actual painting of legendary independence activist Prince Diponegoro, who was arrested by Dutch colonial authorities after being invited to peace talks. Meaning Arrest of Prince Diponegoro to the culture and nationality of Indonesia is difficult to overestimate.
At first glance, the painting evokes emotions related to the colonial era of the Dutch East Indies. The tension in the image is burning – and that is the way it ought to be. It presents the heroes of the anti-colonial war in Java – the Dutch general Hendrik Merkus De Kock and the Indonesian prince Diponegoro.
Raden’s work was a response to the work of the Dutch artist Nicolaas Pieneman. Pieneman painted Surrender of Prince Dipo Negoro to General De Kock The painting was commissioned by the De Kock family in 1835. Raden, seeing him, decided to color a distinct version of events. It was accomplished in 1857. Below are each works.
There are two forms of images with related stories but different narratives. And Raden’s description was much closer to the reality.
- Prince Diponegoro never gave up
Raden Salih’s painting shows that he was framed. Based on the history of the Java War, the Dutch asked Diponegoro to return and discuss options for ending the war. But when Diponegoro arrived, the Dutch arrested him. The views of Raden and the Pienemans are opposite. In Raden Salih’s painting, Diponegoro’s face looks tense as he’s overcome with anger on the betrayal. But in Pieneman’s painting, the prince’s face is pathetic.
- The heads of Dutch officers are barely larger
This shows Raden’s feelings towards the Dutch and his anger at what they did to Diponegoro. At Diponegoro’s side stands his captor, De Kock. But in Pienemana, on Diponegoro’s right, there may be a person identified because the prince’s son. The woman kneeling on the prince’s feet might be Raden Ayu Retnaningsih, Diponegoro’s wife.
- There are no less than 4 faces of Raden Salih within the painting.
If you may have keen eyes, you may have surely noticed 4 men with the identical face and garments: they’ve mustaches and wear blangkon (Javanese headgear for men). According to Palace Artworks curator Mikke Susanto, these faces belong to the painter himself, suggesting that Raden was a supporter of Diponegoro.
Look fastidiously, which one is closest to the reality?
- The situation painted may be very accurate
Raden Salih is thought for his attention to detail. He even painted a gemstone ring on the finger of a Diponegoro supporter and paid great attention to the intricate designs of Indonesian and Dutch costumes. He even painted Mount Merapi and Merbabu within the background.
On the opposite hand, Pieneman’s painting shows that the painter has never been to the Dutch East Indies. It depicts Indonesians with Arabic faces which have completely different features than Javanese people.
In the past, painting was the best method to describe an outfit. This is since the people of Indonesia were illiterate back then, so visual history is essential for the subsequent generation to grasp.
Thanks to Raden Salih’s paintings, we all know that Indonesia’s independence was not achieved easily and in a short while. But through a really long fight and lots of sacrifices.
Source : good
Image source: Jakarta avenue
