Groepsportret van Arthur Kennedy en zijn familie, prins George van Wales en prins Albert Victor van Wales te Brisbane before 1881

This undated photograph shows Arthur Kennedy and his family alongside Prince George of Wales, later King George V, and Prince Albert Victor of Wales in Brisbane. Taken during a period of British colonial expansion, this image reflects the intertwined issues of power, representation, and identity. The photograph captures a moment of interaction between the British monarchy and local colonial elites. The inclusion of the Kennedy family in such a portrait underscores their elevated status within colonial society. The image subtly reinforces the racial and social hierarchies inherent in the colonial project, reminding us of the complex relationships between colonizers and colonized. We might consider how traditional portraiture conventions were being adapted in this context, either to maintain or challenge prevailing social norms. The presence of the royal figures underscores the reach of the British Empire, while it simultaneously shapes and reflects the societal dynamics of the time.