Isaac Israels: Transport of the colonial soldiers (1883-1884)

(Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands)

A painting by the Dutch painter Isaac Lazarus Israëls (1865-1934). Depicted is a group of new Dutch recruits for of the KNIL (Royal Netherlands East Indies Army). They are walking across the kingsbridge (Dutch= Koningsbrug - used to be the connection between the Boompjes and the Oosterkade) in Rotterdam to their transports in the harbour which will bring them to the Dutch East Indies. The Netherlands was engaged in the Aceh War (1873–1904) in Northern-Sumatra so it is likely these troops were send to that front. Painting from 1883-1884.