Kampongcottage in Buitenzorg

My name is Isabella, and I'll be your guide today! We're going to look at a really cool painting. It's called "Kampong Cottage in Buitenzorg." It's a tiny painting, only this big! (Show a comparison using your hands). But don't let its small size fool you; it's full of amazing things! nn

Does anyone know what a "kampong" is? It's like a small village, usually in Indonesia. This painting shows a little house in one of those villages, a long, long time ago. It was painted in 1921! That's almost 100 years ago! nn

Look closely at the painting. See all the green and brown colors? The artist, Willem Witsen, used lots of different shades of green and brown to show the plants and trees around the house. Can you see the leaves? They look a little bit like bananas, don't they? The artist used his brush in a special way to make the leaves look soft and fluffy. What do you think the leaves feel like? nn

See how the house is almost hidden by all the plants? It's like a little secret hiding place! The artist didn't paint any people in the picture. Why do you think he did that? What does it make you feel when you look at the painting? Does it feel peaceful and quiet? nn

This painting isn't like a photograph. It doesn't show every tiny detail. It shows the feeling of the place. It shows how peaceful and quiet the little village was. It's like the artist wanted us to feel like we're there, hidden amongst the plants, listening to the quiet sounds of the village. nn

This painting is a little window into the past. It shows us what life might have been like in a small Indonesian village a long time ago. It's a reminder that even small, quiet places can be beautiful and full of wonder. What's your favorite part of the painting? What makes you feel happy or peaceful when you look at it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!