Portret van een Indiase kinderjuffrouw met kinderwagen en baby te Singapore 1867 - 1880

This photograph of an Indian nanny with a baby carriage and child in Singapore was made by G.R. Lambert & Co. The albumen print, a popular photographic process in the 19th century, uses the whites of eggs to bind the image to the paper. This process gives the photograph a distinctive sheen and tonal range, allowing for a high level of detail. The work shows the nanny and the child she cares for, likely the offspring of a European family residing in Singapore. The photograph offers insight into the social dynamics of colonial Singapore, particularly the labour relationships between European families and their Indian employees. While the photograph may appear as a simple portrait, it's important to consider the power dynamics at play and the amount of work involved in the production process, from the labour of the nanny herself to the work of the photographer and the production of the materials used. By examining the material and social context of this photograph, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance, challenging the traditional distinction between fine art and craft.