Pagina 46 en 47 van fotoboek van de Algemeene Vereeniging van Rubberplanters ter Oostkust van Sumatra (A.V.R.O.S.) c. 1924 - 1925

J.W. Meyster made this photograph, part of a photo book by the General Association of Rubber Planters on the East Coast of Sumatra, at an unknown date. The image shows a rubber plantation, likely in the early 20th century. At this time, Sumatra was part of the Dutch East Indies, a colony exploited for its resources, including rubber. The plantations were organized to maximize production, with labor provided by local populations under often brutal conditions. This photo book was probably aimed at investors or others interested in the rubber trade. It seems like the book presents an idealized view of the industry, omitting the harsh realities faced by workers. As an art historian, understanding the context of this image requires delving into the history of Dutch colonialism, the rubber trade, and the social conditions in Sumatra at the time. Official archives, company records, and personal accounts can help reveal the complex and often exploitative dynamics that shaped the creation and consumption of images like this. This image, seemingly innocuous, is a powerful reminder of the politics embedded in imagery.