Gezicht op een baai met rotsen, vermoedelijk in de buurt van Sydney c. 1890 - 1910

Charles Bayliss captured this photograph of what is thought to be a bay near Sydney, Australia. As an immigrant from England, Bayliss, like many others, was drawn to Australia during the gold rush. But he was also very interested in capturing the rapidly changing landscape during this time of colonial expansion. The photograph captures a rugged, rocky coastline, offering a panoramic vista. The image evokes a sense of discovery, but from whose perspective? The emotional impact is complex when viewed through a postcolonial lens. How do we reconcile the beauty of the landscape with the history of displacement and dispossession of Indigenous peoples? Does this image reflect a celebration of new frontiers, or does it remind us of the profound disruptions caused by colonization? As you consider this photograph, reflect on the narratives it presents and those it might silence. How does it shape your understanding of Australian history and identity?