Rede te Paramaribo 1900 - 1910

Eugen Klein created this photographic print, Rede te Paramaribo, date unknown, now held in the Rijksmuseum. It depicts a scene in Suriname. The image presents an interesting lens through which to explore the social and economic history of the region. Consider the imposing ship anchored offshore. What does its presence tell us about the relationship between Suriname and the outside world? In this period, the Dutch colony was undergoing significant economic change, transitioning from a plantation-based economy to one increasingly influenced by international trade. The photograph prompts us to ask; who had access to leisure and the ability to contemplate the scene, and who was working to service the ships and the colonial economy? These questions are crucial to understanding the power dynamics at play. By consulting historical archives, trade records, and personal accounts, we can gain deeper insights into the complex social and institutional context that shaped this image and the lives of those it depicts.