Batavia - Kerkhof 1863 - 1866

Woodbury & Page's photograph captures a cemetery in Batavia, now Jakarta, revealing more than just a resting place; it is a cultural palimpsest, a canvas where symbols of remembrance intertwine. Dominating the scene are obelisks. From ancient Egypt, these monoliths symbolized solar power, resurrection and immortality. They stood as testaments to the pharaohs' might, pointing towards the heavens. Here, in Batavia, these obelisks mark graves, a transposition across cultures and eras. The motif carries the weight of its past, yet it has evolved, now signifying personal memory within a colonial landscape. The cemetery itself, a formal garden of stone, evokes a poignant dialogue between nature and civilization, life and death. This image touches upon our collective subconscious, reminding us of mortality, continuity, and the enduring power of symbols to transcend time.