Portret van Hendrik Jawarina 1883 - 1884

Friedrich Carel Hisgen made this photogravure titled 'Portret van Hendrik Jawarina'. The photogravure process involves transferring a photographic image onto a metal plate, which is then etched and used to create prints. This results in rich tonal variations and fine details. The choice of the photogravure process is significant. It represents a deliberate effort to document and present Hendrik Jawarina through a medium that was considered technically advanced. The process allowed for the reproduction of the photograph in a way that emphasized its aesthetic qualities. It elevated the status of the image, giving it a sense of artistic value beyond mere documentation. It's impossible to ignore the social context of this photograph: the 'scientific' measurement of people of color was routine during the colonial era. The image raises questions about power dynamics, representation, and the role of photography in shaping perceptions of different cultures and communities. By considering these issues, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the photograph.