Aanzicht op groot vrijstaand huis (Bilthoven?) c. 1910 - 1930

This photograph, likely taken in Bilthoven, captures a large detached house using gelatin silver print. The choice of this process, prevalent in early 20th-century photography, gives the image its distinct sepia tone and soft focus, drawing attention to the geometric forms of the architecture. The focus on the house itself, built from brick and timber, speaks to the burgeoning middle class and their aspirations for suburban living. The materials, sourced through industrialized processes, reflect the rise of mass production and consumption. The visible stacks of timber suggest ongoing construction, indicative of the rapid expansion of residential areas. The image's composition, framing the house against a somewhat barren landscape, emphasizes its imposing presence. This directness, combined with the photographic process, underscores the cultural significance of the house as a symbol of social and economic status. By considering the materials, making, and context, we gain a richer understanding of the photograph and its reflection of early 20th-century society.