Het Voertuigenpark van het IXe Bataljon Infanterie te Pontianak. 15 Maart 1950 Possibly 1950 - 1953

On display is a photograph album page, captured in 1950 by Sergeant-Major Theunissen, showcasing the vehicle park of the 9th Infantry Battalion in Pontianak. The arrangement of the five black and white photographs on the vibrant orange page creates a dynamic interplay of shapes and textures. The monochrome images contrast sharply against the flat, colored backdrop, drawing our attention to the geometric forms within each photograph—the angular lines of the vehicles, the upright postures of the soldiers, and the architectural structures in the background. This formal composition invites a structural reading. Theunissen’s careful arrangement transforms a simple documentary record into a study of spatial relationships and visual contrasts. The photographs, while seemingly straightforward, reveal a deeper engagement with the semiotics of military life. The vehicles and figures function as signs, communicating power, order, and the regimented existence of the infantry. Ultimately, this photograph album page is more than just a historical document; it’s a carefully constructed visual statement. Theunissen uses formal elements to create a cohesive narrative, reflecting the structured world of military service.