Portret van Jacqueline Ricket en haar dochter Lina 1883 - 1884

This is Friedrich Carel Hisgen's "Portret van Jacqueline Ricket en haar dochter Lina", a photograph now housed in the Rijksmuseum. The portrait captures a moment of intimacy between a mother and child, but it also reflects the complex colonial history of Suriname and the ways in which photography was used to document and, at times, exoticize people of color. The photograph invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture, particularly when the subjects are from marginalized communities. It encourages us to reflect on the gazes—both the photographer's and our own—and the ways in which they can perpetuate stereotypes or, conversely, offer a glimpse into the humanity and resilience of the individuals depicted. It also prompts us to think about the role of women and motherhood within the context of colonialism. It can be viewed as a powerful assertion of identity and resistance against the backdrop of historical oppression.