Beeld van een van de twee koningszonen in de Tempel Mendoet ten zuiden van Magelang, Nederlands-Indië c. 1895 - 1915

Onnes Kurkdjian captured this image of a king's son in the Mendoet Temple, Nederlands-Indië. The photograph's strength lies in its structural balance. The seated figure is framed by the temple's brickwork and the ornate carving is in stark contrast to the simple lines of the architecture behind. The formal composition invites a semiotic reading, where the statue itself acts as a signifier of power and divinity. Notice how the photographer uses light and shadow to enhance the texture of the stone, giving it a tactile presence that speaks to the statue's materiality. The linear structure of the image invites an interpretation of cultural codings prevalent during the colonial era. The figure is captured in a manner that imposes a certain order and perspective. The photograph, therefore, does not just present an image but engages with a complex discourse on representation and cultural identity. The formal elements of Kurkdjian's work contribute to its aesthetic appeal. They serve as a gateway to understanding its broader cultural and philosophical implications.