Bouwterrein van het Kinderhuis van het Leger des Heils 1916

This photograph, taken by an anonymous artist, captures the construction site of the Salvation Army Children's Home. The image is made with the traditional photographic process, emphasizing the material reality of the scene through its monochrome tones and textures. Here, the buildings are shown in various stages of completion, revealing the labor-intensive processes of bricklaying, roofing, and carpentry. The surrounding landscape, marked by simple fences and work animals, indicates a context where manual labor and local resources are central to the construction. The very visible work involved in the production process connects this orphanage to broader social issues of labor and politics. By focusing on materials, labor, and context, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural significance embedded within the scene, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.