Gezicht op de Dam tijdens het bezoek van keizer Wilhelm II van Duitsland 1891

Johanna Margaretha Piek captured this image of the Dam Square during Kaiser Wilhelm II's visit, using photographic techniques of the time. The sepia tone and the print's texture give it a timeless quality, allowing us to reflect on the scene's historical context. Photography, in its early days, was as much about craft as it was about technology. The process involved careful manipulation of light and chemicals, a far cry from the instantaneity of modern digital photography. This image raises questions about labor and class. While the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II was undoubtedly a grand spectacle, the production of photographs like this involved the work of skilled photographers and technicians. The photograph serves as a reminder of the human effort behind every image, and of the social dynamics at play during the event it captured. By considering the materials, the making, and the historical context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the photograph.