Portret van Lina 1883 - 1884

This is Friedrich Carel Hisgen’s ‘Portret van Lina’, a portrait of a young girl, found within a book titled ‘Les Habitants de Suriname’. Hisgen, a Dutch artist, made this portrait during a time when the Dutch colonial empire was at its peak. Photography was used to document and categorize people within the colonies. This portrait, while seemingly innocent, exists within a complex history of colonialism, race, and representation. Lina, the young subject, is presented in a way that emphasizes her otherness, reinforcing the power dynamics inherent in colonial relationships. How does it feel to view this young girl, knowing the context in which her image was captured and circulated? The act of naming her, ‘Lina,’ humanizes her, offering a glimpse of individuality against the backdrop of colonial objectification. This image serves as a reminder of the human stories intertwined with the broader narratives of empire, inviting us to reflect on the legacies of colonialism.