Gaya Foto Kassian Cephas (1845 – 1912): Jurugambar Jawa Mahkamah Kesultanan Yogyakarta

Abstract

The dispute over Kassian Céphas ' photo work has been debated to this day. Why do the pictures of the Javanese kingdom look so rigid, face-to-face, with dignity, flat lighting and do not reflect the character of the King of Java. This study was conducted using Barrett's art criticism model and semiotic analysis. The picture of the King of Sultan Hamengkubuwana VII is usually photographed in an authoritative, formal pose, facing forward as it is a custom of Java, following palace protocol, and the photographer usually does not try to reveal the character of the model. Kassian Chepas did not apply the Odalisque to the royal family except for photographs in his studio. However, Kassian Céphas is also creative with photos of young Javanese women in various poses and studio light techniques, including chiaroscuro and applying Odalisque style in his studio. His style is more “documentary approach” and does not follow the High Art style. Kassian Chepas' photographs have been recognized as icons, indexes, and symbols. In particular, for Javanese people, the Sultan's image is a well-known icon and symbol for Indonesians. Images of sultans dating back to Sultan Hamengkubowono X are available. Sultan Hamengkubowono VII inferred that the Dutch ruled Indonesia during the colonial era by using the Dutch military uniform as an indicator.