Studioportret van een onbekend paar, Soerabaja 1890 - 1903

This is Onnes Kurkdjian's "Studioportret van een onbekend paar, Soerabaja," a photograph capturing an unidentified couple in Surabaya. The composition, with its careful arrangement of figures and props, immediately draws our attention. The subjects are positioned against a painted backdrop, the man seated with a casual elegance, the woman standing tall and poised. The monochrome palette emphasizes texture and form. The use of light and shadow sculpts the figures, highlighting the intricate details of their attire. The table acts as a structural element, grounding the composition and creating a sense of depth. A hat placed on the floor is a semiotic sign of formality, as it alludes to codes of conduct and social practices. Ultimately, the photograph is a study in contrasts: formality versus informality, control versus spontaneity. This interplay invites us to reflect on the constructed nature of identity and the ways in which the photographic medium can both capture and create meaning.