Groepje jonge Surinaamse vrouwen 1900 - 1910

Eugen Klein made this photographic print of a group of young Surinamese women in the early 20th century. The image is a hand-tinted print, which at the time was a popular way to add a sense of liveliness to photography. Look closely, and you'll notice the careful application of color to the women's clothing, head wraps, and skin, enhancing their presence. The process of hand-tinting involved skilled labor, with artisans carefully applying dyes or pigments to the photographic print. This labor-intensive process reflects a desire to elevate photography to the realm of fine art. The production and consumption of images like these were tied to wider social issues of colonialism. By appreciating the labor and materials involved, we can better understand its cultural and social significance, challenging any traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.