Dierentuin, portretten en beroepen 1864 - 1866

Woodbury & Page created this photographic print, titled "Dierentuin, portretten en beroepen" or "Zoo, Portraits, and Professions," likely in the late 19th century in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. It presents a series of images, seemingly capturing different aspects of life in the region. We see portraits of local individuals, possibly dignitaries or members of the elite, alongside images depicting various professions. In the central image, a seemingly European-style garden hints at the influence of colonial powers. This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the social and economic dynamics at play during that era. The Dutch colonial presence shaped the institutional landscape, influencing everything from governance to cultural representation. Understanding this work requires delving into the history of Dutch colonialism, examining archival materials, and analyzing the visual codes used to represent both the colonizers and the colonized. This helps us to critically engage with the photograph’s representation of a complex historical moment.