Colonne Duitse soldaten met fietsen 1941

This anonymous photograph, taken in 1941, depicts a column of German soldiers on bicycles in a Dutch town. It is a poignant record of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. The photograph, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the realities of life under German rule, capturing the imposing presence of the occupying forces amidst everyday life. The stark black and white composition emphasizes the somber tone of the scene, highlighting the contrast between the soldiers' imposing figures and the quiet streets of the town.