Ruiterspel met grote bal, Medan Sumatra c. 1900 - 1905

This photograph, "Ruiterspel met grote bal, Medan Sumatra," was created by Heinrich Ernst & Co. The monochromatic image presents a polo match played on a vast, open field. Notice how the composition is structured by horizontal bands of space: the flat expanse of the playing field is in the foreground, a line of trees defines the middle ground, and the sky fills the upper register. This layered structure creates a sense of depth, drawing the eye towards the central action around the oversized ball. The photograph's strength lies in how it captures a moment of colonial activity, framing it within a carefully organized visual field. The lines of sight converge, subtly hinting at the complex interplay between sport, society, and representation in colonial Sumatra. The monochromatic palette mutes the scene, inviting a close examination of the underlying power dynamics at play.