Twee vrouwen en een man in een automobiel op een weg tussen Menton en Castillon 1899

This photograph, titled 'Twee vrouwen en een man in een automobiel op een weg tussen Menton en Castillon', was taken by Delizy, and resides in the Rijksmuseum collection. The sepia tones lend a nostalgic air, immediately drawing us into a past era. Observe how the composition, with the automobile centrally positioned, emphasizes the technological marvel of the age. The vehicle's structure, defined by stark lines and circular wheels, contrasts with the organic backdrop of trees and a hillside home. The arrangement of the figures—a man at the helm, flanked by two women—suggests a structured social tableau, yet the soft focus and tonal uniformity slightly destabilize this formality. What we see is a tension between technological progress and social convention. It is a snapshot that prompts us to reflect on the cultural codes of mobility and representation during this period. The photograph remains a point of intersection between personal narrative and broader socio-historical themes.