Vijf patiënten met struma 1928

This photograph, taken by the Hospitaal Batak Instituut in 1928, presents five patients with goiters. It’s a clinical image, but looking closely, the grayscale offers a subtle range – from the near-black of the background to the parchment tones of the skin, creating a stark contrast that speaks volumes. What strikes me is the intentionality of the subjects' poses. They are presented with an openness, a kind of vulnerability. I think about the relationship between the subjects and the photographer, the power dynamic at play here. How did they feel in that moment? This image reminds me of August Sander’s typological portraits. Like Sander, the photographer presents the subjects with a directness that invites the viewer to contemplate the human condition. It’s a blend of observation and quiet commentary. In the end, this photograph prompts questions about representation, dignity, and the stories that images can tell, even when the intentions behind them remain complex.