Gezicht op de Beurs van Zocher tijdens de inhuldigingsfeesten van Wilhelmina van 5 tot en met 9 september 1898 Possibly 1898 - 1899

Curator: Isn’t it remarkable how a single photograph can distill an entire era? This street scene, likely taken between 1898 and 1899, captures the Exchange of Zocher during Queen Wilhelmina’s inauguration festivities. It’s attributed to Sigmund Löw. Editor: The first thing that hits me is this… celebratory dreariness. I mean, you have this grand building, decked out, but there's a muted stillness. Almost like a formal group portrait, where everyone had to stay still for way too long. Curator: Indeed! But think of it… This is photography’s infancy capturing such a bustling time. See those ‘W’ banners hanging—a clear nod to Wilhelmina. Symbolically, we are entering a new reign, the ushering of a new age. Editor: Those banners definitely stand out. It’s that ‘W’ repeated all over again, a clear image of authority and stability—quite clever and bold. Garlands of ornamentation almost mask the grandeur. But it's a bit severe. Where is the merriment? Curator: Well, consider the photographic process itself. Patience was a virtue; people couldn't exactly jump and shout. But that stoicism allows for scrutiny. Each person holds their story, contributing to the overall theatre of the event. Also look at how Zocher's Exchange is staged. The banners and floral arrangements—this almost-theatrical staging serves to associate the Queen with prosperity, which also is visually associated with the building in question, to indicate financial success, perhaps, to the incoming regent and her reign. Editor: I see what you mean. This careful placement indicates something to read over time. The building does carry an undertone of weight and solidity. Almost, too real for such an idealized view? Maybe the goal of all those celebrations was to suggest her impact. Now it seems she could potentially have even greater import as a woman of that age. It carries the symbolism. Curator: Right. The city's architecture, people—they're all symbols in a constructed narrative, telling a tale of anticipation, of hope, and of continuity as an incoming Dutch leader is placed on the throne to maintain the long-term, rich tradition of power. Editor: Definitely, a narrative frozen in time. Gives you goosebumps how photography preserves history with these loaded, frozen images. It brings our understanding of context today and it has all begun through capturing it just like this.