Opzichter Nieuwenhuis bij brug Knuffelsgracht 1903 - 1910

Hendrik Doijer captured this image titled "Opzichter Nieuwenhuis bij brug Knuffelsgracht" which translates to "Overseer Nieuwenhuis at Knuffelsgracht bridge," using an unknown process. Here, we observe a construction scene, likely in Suriname given Doijer's history, revealing a compelling tableau of labor and authority. The overseer, dressed in white, stands apart from the workers, who seem to be of African descent. This visual division speaks volumes about the social hierarchy of the time, reflecting the legacy of Dutch colonialism and the racial dynamics inherent in such projects. The bridge, still under construction, becomes a symbol of progress and control, yet the figures involved remind us to question whose progress and at whose expense? To fully understand this image, researchers might consult colonial archives, economic surveys of Suriname, and studies of labor practices. It’s through this careful consideration of social and institutional contexts that we can better interpret the complexities embedded within this photograph.