Batavia - Goenong Sahari 1863 - 1866

This albumin silver print, titled "Batavia - Goenong Sahari," was created by Woodbury & Page. It presents a composition carefully divided into three horizontal bands of earth, water and sky. The central band is dominated by the river’s surface. The photograph’s organization reveals underlying tensions between the natural and the man-made. Vegetation on both sides of the river is dense and lush, contrasting with the linear, sparse structure of the bridge. This compositional choice emphasizes the relationship between nature and the colonial infrastructure, each defining the other through contrast. The still, reflective quality of the water doubles the imagery. This creates a sense of both stability and ethereal distortion. The print’s success lies in its delicate rendering of light and shadow, where the albumen process lends depth to the tonal range and captures minute details. It invites contemplation on the colonial gaze and its impact on the landscape.