Baldakijn op de Dam te Amsterdam bij de inhuldiging van Koningin Wilhelmina Possibly 1898 - 1899

This albumen print captures Queen Wilhelmina's inauguration in Amsterdam, highlighting the baldachin erected for the ceremony. It was made by Guy de Coral & Co. What strikes me is the sheer amount of labor invested in this scene. Beyond the construction of the baldachin itself, consider the orchestration of the event. The uniforms precisely tailored, the flags meticulously sewn, the temporary structures erected to accommodate the crowds – all evidence of an immense coordinated effort. Photography, as a process, is key here. The sharp focus and tonal range wouldn’t have been possible without the meticulous preparation of the glass plate negative. The photograph’s inherent qualities – its texture, tonal range, and composition – serve to document a carefully constructed image of power and national identity. The image becomes a symbol, an emblem of Dutch identity carefully curated through collective endeavor. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly straightforward photographs are the result of deliberate choices, skilled craftsmanship, and a great deal of work.