Eetkamer van het huis van Paul Sandel in Tandjong Poera, Langkat Sumatra c. 1900

This photograph captures the dining room of Paul Sandel's house in Tandjong Poera, Sumatra, by Heinrich Ernst & Co. The symmetrical composition of the room draws the eye to a table set for a meal, covered with a pristine white cloth, anchoring the visual space. The photograph's perspective emphasizes the room's depth, framing the objects in a way that feels both intimate and staged. Note how the interplay of light and shadow accentuates the ornate details of the furniture and decorative elements. The heavy drapes and patterned wallpaper add layers of complexity, creating a dense, textured environment. This intricate arrangement speaks to a deliberate attempt to construct a specific kind of domestic space. The inclusion of Western furniture and decorations in a Sumatran setting raises questions about cultural exchange and the imposition of colonial aesthetics. The image doesn't just represent a dining room; it presents a carefully constructed vision of domesticity and power. How might we interpret the arrangement of objects as symbols of status and identity?