Standbeeld van Joseph Nicéphore Niépce 1885

This is a photograph of a statue of Joseph Nicéphore Niépce by Michel Berthaud. It was published in France in 1885. This statue and the photograph are testaments to the cultural and historical moment of the 19th century, reflecting the rise of scientific optimism and its close relationship with colonialism and the subjugation of indigenous peoples. Niépce is celebrated as an inventor, embodying an era in which technological progress was considered the domain of white, European men. The statue itself is an idealization of masculinity and genius, yet it obscures the collaborative nature of scientific advancement and the many unrecognized contributions, particularly those of women and people of color. It stands as a reminder of the selective narratives perpetuated by historical monuments. They contribute to shaping a collective memory that often excludes diverse voices.