Portret van een danseres met muziekgroep te Indonesië 1857 - 1880

Woodbury and Page made this albumen print of a dancer and musical ensemble in Indonesia. It’s difficult to know the exact date, but we can assume that it was made during the period of Dutch colonial rule, probably between 1860 and 1890. This image offers us a glimpse into the colonial gaze, showing how Western photographers represented Indonesian culture. Consider how the dancer is posed, the arrangement of the musicians, and the overall composition. These choices reflect the photographers' perspective and the expectations of their European audience. What meaning can we derive from this image today? To understand it better, we might research the history of dance in Indonesia, the role of music in cultural performances, and the impact of colonialism on artistic expression. By looking at photographs and archival documents, we can uncover the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple portrait and reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation.