Hesselaar, H.Th. – Fabriek op Java, 1851 Rijksmuseum: part 4

The canvas presents a scene dominated by a large industrial structure set within a landscape suggestive of colonial Southeast Asia. A long, low building with a red-tiled roof and white walls occupies the central foreground, its scale emphasized by the receding perspective of a dusty road leading directly towards it. Smoke rises from a chimney affixed to the edifice, indicating ongoing industrial activity.
The composition is structured around a clear division between the man-made and the natural world. Behind the factory complex, a range of mountains forms a dramatic backdrop, their peaks partially obscured by atmospheric haze. Lush vegetation flanks the road on either side, creating a sense of enclosure while simultaneously highlighting the contrast with the stark geometry of the industrial building. A small body of water, likely a canal or irrigation ditch, runs along the lower edge of the composition, crossed by a rudimentary wooden bridge.
Several figures populate the scene. Two men are visible near the waterway; one appears to be walking, while the other is seated and holding what seems to be a tool or weapon. Their presence suggests labor or perhaps surveillance within this environment. A Dutch flag flies prominently atop a pole positioned in front of the factory, asserting colonial authority and marking the space as belonging to a foreign power.
The painting’s palette is muted, with earthy tones dominating the foreground and cooler blues and greys defining the distant landscape. This contributes to an overall feeling of subdued realism. The light appears diffuse, lacking strong contrasts, which further softens the scene and minimizes any sense of drama.
Subtly embedded within this depiction are implications about power dynamics and colonial enterprise. The factory’s imposing size and central placement underscore its importance within the landscape, while the presence of the flag serves as a visual declaration of control. The figures in the foreground appear small and subservient when compared to the scale of the industrial structure, hinting at an imbalance of power between colonizer and colonized. The depiction of the natural environment – abundant yet seemingly contained by the man-made structures – suggests a deliberate attempt to subdue or exploit the land’s resources for economic gain. Ultimately, the work offers a glimpse into a colonial setting, revealing both its physical characteristics and underlying social tensions.