Riviergezicht met bedrijvigheid in Suriname 1905 - 1910

Jacob Evert Wesenhagen made this photograph of a riverside scene with industry in Suriname, likely in the early 20th century. It shows the blurry details of life along the riverbank, with working boats and riverside buildings, all enveloped by lush vegetation. The image’s cultural context is the Dutch colony of Suriname and its economy based on natural resources like timber and minerals. Wesenhagen’s picture suggests a landscape in transition, with traditional modes of transport alongside the development of industry and infrastructure. The scene reflects colonial economic structures and their lasting impact on Suriname's environment and society. The scene is not overtly critical, yet it implicitly reveals power dynamics and exploitation through its stark representation of land use. To truly understand this work, we need to consult historical archives, colonial records, and accounts of life in Suriname at the time. The meaning of this art is profoundly linked to its historical and institutional setting.