Groepsportret 1863 - 1869

This albumen print, made by Woodbury & Page, shows a group portrait set against the backdrop of a grand colonial house. Here, the image creates meaning through visual codes deeply rooted in the colonial era. The composition emphasizes the sitters' European identity and elevated social status. Their tailored suits, neatly arranged chairs, and confident poses contrast sharply with the local environment and the implied labor that maintains such a setting. Made in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia, the photograph reflects the complex social hierarchy of the time. To fully understand this image, we can consult colonial archives, travelogues, and ethnographic studies to uncover the power dynamics and cultural exchanges at play. This photograph serves as a reminder that art is always embedded in a specific social and institutional context, and that historical research is essential for interpreting its full significance.