Twee foto's van een huis in Semarang met twee kinderen en een bediende 1910

These two photographs of a house in Semarang with two children and a servant were taken by Carolina Frederika Onnen around 1910, using gelatin silver prints. The inherent qualities of gelatin silver prints lie in their monochromatic aesthetic and capacity to capture intricate details. It was a widely adopted process during this period, reflecting advancements in photographic technology and the growing accessibility of image-making. The method involves coating a paper base with a gelatin emulsion containing light-sensitive silver halides. When exposed to light, these halides undergo a chemical reaction, forming a latent image. This image is then developed, fixed, and washed to create a stable, lasting print. However, these images also give us a glimpse into the colonial history of Indonesia. The presence of the children and the servant points to the social stratification of the time, and the labor inherent in the colonial system. Understanding the processes and the social context of these photographs allows for a deeper appreciation, beyond mere aesthetics.