De suikerindustrie en topografie van Java 1876 - 1884

This album cover, “De suikerindustrie en topografie van Java,” was made by Herman Salzwedel and is a dedication piece, made for F.B. Meyerinck between 1876-1884. The sugar industry in Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies, was built on exploited labor and land. The album cover, adorned with ornate silverwork, disguises the harsh realities of colonialism through a veneer of luxury and celebration. Consider the stark contrast between the beauty of the object and the brutal labor practices it indirectly represents. This album cover encapsulates how colonial powers often masked exploitation with displays of opulence, celebrating industrial achievements while ignoring the human cost. The dedication to Meyerinck invites us to reflect on the individuals who benefited from these systems and the broader implications of their actions. How does this object make you feel in relation to this history?