Twee prentbriefkaarten van de aubade ter ere van de geboorte van prinses Juliana op 8 juni 1909 in Den Haag en de ovatie bij Paleis Kneuterdijk op 4 mei 1909 Possibly 1909

These two photographic postcards, dating to 1909, capture public celebrations in The Hague surrounding the birth of Princess Juliana. Printed on photo paper, likely using a gelatin silver process, these cards were products of early 20th-century mass media. Photography, once a laborious process, had become increasingly accessible, and the advent of postcards allowed for the widespread distribution of images. The contrast between the light and dark areas create a monochromatic palette, and emphasize the formal qualities of the scene, such as architectural details and the textures of the crowd. Note the sheer amount of labor involved, from the manufacturing of photographic materials to the printing process itself. Consider also the labor of the people who were on the streets celebrating. In their own way, all of these workers contributed to this historical moment. These postcards underscore how photography democratized representation and also fueled a growing culture of image consumption. They also remind us that the stories behind everyday objects can be as significant as the stories behind more traditionally valued artworks.