Het huis van den Gouvenerneur te Colombo door C. Steiger 1890 - 1910

This monochromatic image depicts the Governor's House in Colombo, created by Hübner & Van Santen Roeloffzen. Its imposing structure and meticulously planned gardens are rendered with careful attention to detail. Note how the facade of the Governor's house is structured. The repeated arches create a rhythm that draws the eye along the building's length, while the symmetrical arrangement of the gardens reinforces a sense of order. The light contrasts subtly, defining edges and volumes without the need for colour. This understated approach highlights the architectural form, inviting us to consider its design and purpose within a colonial context. This image serves not just as a representation but also as a statement about power, control, and the imposition of European ideals onto a different landscape. Its enduring interest resides in this interplay between aesthetic representation and ideological expression, demonstrating the complex ways in which images communicate values and influence perceptions.