Inhuldiging van koningin Wilhelmina in de Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam 1898

Barend Groote captured the inauguration of Queen Wilhelmina in the Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, using photography, a medium capable of detailed record-keeping. The photograph presents a hierarchical composition: an elevated stage where Queen Wilhelmina is seated, surrounded by dignitaries, all framed by the ornate architecture of the church. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the play of light and shadow across the architectural and figurative elements. This creates a visual rhythm drawing the eye toward the focal point: the Queen. The structure of the image functions almost as a stage set. It highlights the performance of power and tradition through spatial organization, the arrangement of figures, and the architectural backdrop. The photograph encapsulates a moment of transition, framing it within the rigid structures of monarchy and religious space. This formal approach reflects how power is visually constructed and maintained through symbols and settings.