Simpang Masa

“How did the three greatest artists of the 19th century deal with the times?”

The meeting of three 19th century Javanese artists, Ronggowarsito (1802-1873), Mangkunegoro IV (1811-1881), and Raden Saleh (circa 1811-1880). The 19th century was a difficult time for the Javanese. A turbulent century, especially for the Javanese people who had just survived the devastating conflict known as the Java War (1825-1830). After the Java War ended, Java entered a new order that can be called the modern era. The post-Java War and Cultuurstelsel agreement led to a decline in self-confidence, social, economic, political, and cultural.