Vrouw met twee kinderen 1900 - 1922

This is a photograph called "Vrouw met twee kinderen" by Robert Julius Boers. Boers who was born in the Dutch East Indies, captured this image which presents a domestic scene but also reflects the complex colonial history of the region. The subjects, likely of European descent, are formally posed in front of a house that blends European architectural elements with tropical adaptations. The photograph offers a glimpse into the gendered and racial hierarchies of the Dutch East Indies. The woman, dressed in European attire, symbolizes a certain class identity. Meanwhile, the children represent the future of the colonial presence. The setting—a hybrid home—serves as a backdrop that suggests both belonging and imposition. How does this image challenge or perpetuate traditional representations, and what can it tell us about identity, gender, race and politics?