Beau Séjour en portretten 1860 - 1866

This album page by Woodbury and Page presents a series of photographs capturing scenes and portraits in the Dutch East Indies, likely created in the late 19th century. The compilation of images here speaks volumes about the colonial gaze and the representation of Indonesian life for a Western audience. The central image depicts a lush landscape of palm trees, perhaps aiming to evoke an exotic paradise. Surrounding this are portraits of Indonesians, possibly servants or laborers, as well as images of everyday activities. Through their arrangement, these photographs create a narrative framed by colonial power structures. It’s interesting to note that photography at this time was used as a tool for cataloging and documenting colonized people. Understanding such images requires careful examination of archival materials, colonial records, and postcolonial critiques. This way we can reveal the complex interplay between art, power, and representation in the colonial context.