'Inverse clip/mask' with currently available tools:
a) as clip path:
draw a rectangle/object covering your image, subtract a second rectangle/object with size/location of the intended 'hole' and use the result as clip-path.
b) as mask:
draw a solid white rectangle/object covering your image, a black rectangle/object with the size/location of the intended 'hole', group the white and black object and use the group to mask your image.
If the solution is not based on SVG filters -> see /bugs.launchpad .net/inkscape/ +bug/412928>
Bug #412928 “Allow clip/mask set inverse”:
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'Inverse clip/mask' with currently available tools:
a) as clip path:
draw a rectangle/object covering your image, subtract a second rectangle/object with size/location of the intended 'hole' and use the result as clip-path.
b) as mask:
draw a solid white rectangle/object covering your image, a black rectangle/object with the size/location of the intended 'hole', group the white and black object and use the group to mask your image.