Koninklijke familie, januari 1940 1940 - 1941

This is an anonymous photograph of the Dutch Royal Family, taken in January 1940. Here, the visual symbols speak volumes: the family, bundled in furs, are in a horse-drawn sleigh. The sleigh, an ancient motif of travel through wintry landscapes, echoes in our collective memory from folk tales to grand imperial processions. The presence of horses, symbols of power and nobility, connect this image to centuries of royal iconography. Think of the Roman emperors entering the city triumphant on chariots, or Renaissance monarchs on horseback. Here, this symbol is domesticated, softened, yet the inherent message remains. The photograph, in its stark black and white, evokes a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. It captures a fleeting moment of connection, a human need for warmth and togetherness, at a time when Europe was being ripped apart. This image is a testament to continuity and the deep, emotional connection between a people and their leaders.