Exterieur van een Nederlands handelsgebouw te Kisanga 1896

This photogravure of a trading building in Kisanga was made by Franz Thonner. Immediately striking is the linear, geometric precision. Notice how the artist emphasizes the converging lines of the railway tracks, creating a stark perspective that draws the eye to the building. The structure itself, with its rectangular windows and sharp roofline, reinforces this geometric theme. This isn't just a depiction of architecture; it's a study in form. The composition reflects a colonial context, where the imposition of European order on the African landscape is visually represented through the rigid lines and structured space of the building and its surroundings. The image could be read as a sign, where the building and railway are symbols of economic exploitation and political control. Ultimately, the photogravure presents a complex interplay of aesthetics and ideology, inviting us to question the values and power structures embedded within its seemingly objective representation.