Portret van Elisabeth Moendi 1883 - 1884

This photogravure of Elisabeth Moendi was made by Friedrich Carel Hisgen. The image belongs to a series titled ‘The Inhabitants of Suriname,’ reflecting early anthropological attempts to document and classify people. The production of images like these was bound up with the colonial project and demonstrates the power dynamics of the time. In the late 19th century, photography was often used to create racial stereotypes, and the institutional context of the museum played a crucial role in shaping the perception and understanding of different cultures. The image itself, with its stark lighting and posed subject, creates a sense of distance. Elisabeth Moendi’s direct gaze challenges the viewer, though. The photograph was made during a time of significant social upheaval in Suriname, with resistance movements against Dutch colonial rule gaining momentum. Understanding the photograph requires examining the colonial archives, missionary records, and indigenous accounts. By acknowledging the complex web of social and institutional forces at play, we can better understand the historical meaning of this powerful photograph.