Studioportret van Sacra, de Indonesische bediende van de familie Kessler 1880 - 1890

This photograph, titled 'Studioportret van Sacra, de Indonesische bediende van de familie Kessler', was created by Woodbury & Page. The image gives us a window into the dynamics of colonial Indonesia, highlighting the complex relationships between the colonizers and the colonized. Sacra, an Indonesian domestic worker in the Kessler family, is presented in a formal studio setting, a space typically reserved for those of higher social standing. What does it mean for Sacra to be photographed? What does it mean for her to be photographed in this way? Consider the power dynamics at play. As a domestic worker, Sacra's identity is interwoven with her role in the Kessler household, her image a statement about the family’s status and perhaps their benevolence. This photograph, while seemingly a simple portrait, opens up questions about representation, agency, and the intimate yet unequal relationships forged in the crucible of colonialism. It's a poignant reminder of the individuals whose lives were deeply affected by historical forces.