Bezoek aan de leprozerie Pelantoengan

Otto Hisgen captured "Visit to the Pelantoengan Leper Colony" with a camera. While the exact date is unknown, Hisgen, who lived from 1874 to 1944, was part of a world steeped in colonialism and burgeoning medical advancements. The photograph depicts a group of formally dressed visitors descending from what appears to be a colonial-style building, likely the administration's quarters. The scene offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of the time. The stark contrast between the colonizers and the colonized is palpable. Leprosy, a disease often associated with poverty and marginalization, intersects with the power dynamics of colonial rule, highlighting the existing social hierarchies. The photograph serves as a historical record, prompting reflection on the complex interplay of health, power, and prejudice. It reminds us of the emotional and personal dimensions of the image. What does it mean to witness a visit to a leper colony through the lens of a colonizer? How do such images shape perceptions of disease and difference?