Candi Puntadewa, general view with the staircase projection (west). Dieng plateau Wonosobo district, Central Java province 8th-9th century Possibly 1864 - 1867

This photograph of Candi Puntadewa was taken by Isidore Kinsbergen in the late 19th century, documenting a structure built between the 8th and 9th centuries. Kinsbergen, a Dutch-Jewish photographer, had a complex relationship with the colonial context in which he operated in Java. Consider the power dynamics inherent in the act of photographing indigenous architecture by a European during this era. Kinsbergen's work, while providing valuable documentation, also served the colonial gaze, framing Javanese culture through a Western lens. This gaze often exoticized or romanticized the 'orient', reinforcing a sense of Western superiority. Candi Puntadewa, as a sacred space, embodies a rich spiritual and cultural history. Kinsbergen's photograph captures the physicality of the temple. As you look at this image, think about how the act of photographing a sacred site transforms its meaning and accessibility. How does it feel to view a place of worship through the lens of colonial history? This image invites us to reflect on the intertwined histories of representation, power, and cultural heritage.