Portret van twee onbekende vrouwen in Javaanse batiks 1883 - 1888

This photographic print shows two women dressed in Javanese batiks and was made by F.D. van Rosmalen Jr. in Amsterdam. The photograph, like many from this period, offers a window into the complex interplay of cultural representation and colonial dynamics. These women, adorned in traditional Javanese attire, stand as both subjects and symbols within the frame. As women, their representation is freighted with notions of femininity and exoticism, shaped by the male gaze and the power structures inherent in colonial relationships. The batiks, while beautiful, speak to the commodification of culture, a common occurrence within colonial contexts. Van Rosmalen was a European photographer, and the photograph was produced in Amsterdam, further emphasizing the power dynamics at play. The image makes me think about the women’s lived experiences: the stories behind their eyes and what these representations mean to them. It invites us to reflect on the impact of colonialism on personal and cultural identity.