Groepsfoto voor een huis 1886

This albumen print, "Group Photo in front of a House," was taken by Kassian Céphas, a Javanese photographer working in the late 19th century. Céphas, who converted to Catholicism, was a pioneer, documenting the colonial Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. This image offers a glimpse into the complex social hierarchy of the colonial era. We see a group of formally dressed men, likely Dutch colonizers, posed in front of a grand house. The presence of a young, local servant underscores the power dynamics at play. Céphas's position as a local photographer provides a unique perspective. While seemingly documenting the colonial elite, his work subtly challenges the dominant narrative by capturing the nuances of daily life, hinting at the tensions and inequalities inherent in the colonial system. What stories do you think these people are carrying with them?