Gezicht op een gevangenis te Sisi before 1897

Christiaan Johan Neeb captured this 'View of a Prison at Sisi' using the photographic techniques available to him. Photography, even in its early stages, was far from a neutral medium. The choice of black and white emphasizes the starkness and perhaps the bleakness of the prison environment. Early photography involved a chemical process, each print bearing the marks of its making. Look closely, and you'll see the way the light plays across the surfaces, creating a palpable, documentary feel. By selecting this subject matter, Neeb engages with social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. It invites us to consider the prison as a site of confinement, control, and perhaps even exploitation. Neeb’s choice of photography—with its unique capacity to capture reality—adds another layer to the conversation. Ultimately, this photograph is more than just a historical record; it's a commentary on power, society, and the human condition.