Portret van Beatrix, koningin der Nederlanden, Irene, prinses der Nederlanden, en Renée Roëll 1940 - 1942

This photograph, an anonymous work, captures Beatrix, Irene, and Renée, rendered in tones of grey, in what looks like a moment of play or rest. It’s a study in light and shadow, where the textures of the blanket and the grass create a soft, almost dreamlike backdrop. Look at the faces, each one a little world of its own. The way the light catches on their skin and hair, it’s almost sculptural. The variations in tone are used to create a feeling of depth and volume. The dark patches of grass frame the figures, making them pop out from the background. This image reminds me of other works that explore the themes of childhood innocence and royal life. Think of Gerhard Richter’s photorealist paintings, which used photography as a basis for exploring memory and representation. This piece also has that kind of ambiguity, that feeling of a moment captured and preserved, open to interpretation and contemplation.