De markt van Ampenan before 1897

Christiaan Johan Neeb created this small photograph, "De markt van Ampenan," using a black and white film. The image is structured by the strong horizontal lines of the buildings, which gives a sense of stability. This is disrupted by the vertical and diagonal lines of the palm trees that suggest a more organic, fluid space. The composition is balanced, with buildings on either side and a central open area where the market activity unfolds. The stark black and white tonality creates a strong contrast that captures the intense light and shadows of the market scene. Neeb uses the photographic medium to capture a moment in time, yet the image also speaks to the enduring structures of trade and community. It offers not just a visual record but an interpretation of cultural and social space.