Olifantenjacht, Sumatra (Serdang Elephant) c. 1890 - 1900

This photograph, "Olifantenjacht, Sumatra (Serdang Elephant)" by Stafhell & Kleingrothe, presents a scene composed of dense, vertically oriented trees contrasted against the broad, horizontal mass of an elephant. The monochromatic tones create a study in light and shadow, emphasizing the textures of the forest and the smooth skin of the captured animal. The composition is structured to place the elephant and the group of figures centrally, framed by the surrounding jungle. This arrangement creates a sense of depth and enclosure, highlighting the relationship between the figures and their environment. The formal arrangement and interplay of light and dark serve to destabilize our understanding of the relationship between humanity and nature. The capture of the elephant, framed by the almost impenetrable jungle, prompts questions about power and dominance. Ultimately, the photograph functions as a record of a specific event and engages with broader cultural narratives around exploration, control, and the depiction of non-Western spaces. It invites ongoing interpretation of these complex relationships.