Street in Batavia with a Market and a Theatrical Performance

Wouter Schouten, c. 1660

In Batavia, a visit to the market was often accompanied by a performance. A wayang show is in progress in a richly decorated theatre. Wayang literally means shadow or phantom. It comprises all kinds of Javanese theatre forms such as puppetry and shadow play, but also dance, drama and elocution. Schouten noted below his drawing that he had seen it during the day, whereas it was usually held in the evening until early morning.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-1964-351(R)
  • Dimensionsheight 206 mm x width 330 mm
  • Physical characteristicspen en bruine inkt, over een schets in zwart krijt