John Scott Bradstreet in Oriental Costume 1900 - 1914

This photograph features John Scott Bradstreet dressed in oriental costume, captured by an anonymous photographer. Bradstreet was a prominent figure in late 19th-century Minneapolis, known for his interior design work, particularly his elaborate aesthetic interiors inspired by global cultures. The photograph invites reflection on cultural appropriation and the dynamics of power and representation. Here, we see Bradstreet assuming the attire of another culture, a practice that raises questions about authenticity, respect, and the potential for misrepresentation. During that time, dressing in "oriental costume" was a way for privileged Westerners to perform exoticism and display their worldliness. This image freezes a moment of cultural exchange or perhaps, cultural exploitation, depending on your viewpoint. This photograph acts as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in cross-cultural encounters and invites us to consider the ethics of representation.