Bestrijden van ziektes door een zogaanaamde 'rattenoven' in Malang 1900 - 1935

This stereoscopic photograph was taken by Neville Keasberry in Malang, Java. Look at that rising smoke! It almost makes me cough here in the gallery. I imagine Keasberry setting up his camera, carefully framing the scene of what was called a 'rat oven.' The textures are so interesting - the rough stone wall, the stacks of what looks like neatly bundled wood, and the rickety metal frame of the 'oven.' I wonder what it was like to be there in that moment, the smell of burning wood and the knowledge that this fire was meant to eradicate disease. It's intense to think about the intentions behind this image, to record an event meant to control nature and protect human life. Photography, like painting, captures a moment and preserves it for future generations. It's a testament to how we are always trying to make sense of the world, document our experiences, and share them with others.