Portret van Raden Tumenggung Cakranagara II, regent van Blora 1860 - 1890

This is a portrait of Raden Tumenggung Cakranagara II, regent of Blora, created by Woodbury & Page. Notice how the composition is tightly framed, emphasizing the figure's presence. The subject is positioned almost symmetrically, creating a sense of formality and control. Light and shadow interplay delicately, defining the textures of his garments and facial features. The monochrome palette enhances the structured and serious tone of the photograph. The semiotic elements here – his traditional attire, the kris, and the regal bearing – speak to a complex interplay of identity and power within a colonial context. The Western style portraiture is juxtaposed with the indigenous symbols of status. This tension reflects the cultural negotiations of the time. The photograph's formal qualities, such as the sharp focus and detailed rendering, elevate it beyond a mere record. It becomes a study of cultural representation and an artifact that challenges fixed notions of identity and authority.