Portret van A. van Duursen, K. Scholtens, G.M. Bolderdijk en L. Hahn 1928

This is a small black and white photograph of four men in suits, their names are A. van Duursen, K. Scholtens, G.M. Bolderdijk and L. Hahn. The departure station in Los Angeles serves as a backdrop of this informal group portrait. They are all wearing hats and look smart but the photo feels casual and the scene is understated. What could they have been thinking as they stood there together? What were their relationships to one another? There is a particular softness to the image. The monochromatic tonality blurs the edges and brings a dreamlike quality to the picture. Was this intentional, or has the image faded over time? The photograph is an intimate and understated expression, reminding us that art doesn't always need to be grand, or polished. The work of anonymous artists has a unique value, offering an alternative perspective on the world.