Interieur van de winkel van de Deli Courant te Medan 1925 - 1940

This photograph, taken by W.T. Uhlenhuth, captures the interior of the Deli Courant store in Medan, offering a glimpse into early commercial spaces. The image showcases glass display cases filled with meticulously arranged silverware, positioned centrally, drawing attention to the array of goods. Behind, shelves laden with books create a textured backdrop. The photograph's sepia tones cast a warm light over the scene, emphasizing the materiality of the goods on display. Consider the context: Medan, a city shaped by Dutch colonial influence. The act of photographing the shop, filled with both news and silverware, speaks to the intertwining of information, luxury, and social status in the colonial context. The image subtly nods to the labor and industries required to produce both print media and crafted goods, reflecting the economics of the time. By examining this image, we delve into the material culture of the past, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and the everyday lives of people within a specific time and place.