Fotoalbum van Hendrik Herman van den Berg, 1908 1908

Editor: Here we have Hendrik Herman van den Berg’s “Fotoalbum,” created in 1908, using albumen print on paper. It feels so understated, almost secretive, like a closed book holding a lifetime of memories. How do you interpret this piece? Curator: This work invites us to consider photography not just as documentation, but as a practice deeply intertwined with identity and memory. An album like this represents a curated self, reflecting the societal norms and power structures of the time. Who was included, and perhaps more importantly, who was excluded? What narratives were being carefully constructed and preserved? Editor: That makes me think about the act of choosing which photos even make it into the album in the first place. Curator: Exactly! The creation of such an album is not neutral. Consider the albumen print – its process was very popular but still laborious. It suggests a certain social standing, access to resources. And what stories do these potentially depict about family, nation, or class? How did this photographic technology help maintain the social hierarchies? Editor: So you're saying it's not just about what's in the album, but the whole context of its creation and what it represents socially? Curator: Precisely. And remember, photographic truth is a construct. Think about how this intimate object plays within a wider history of visual representation and its effect on society. Perhaps this was also intended to shape a very particular familial or ancestral narrative that has generational ramifications even to the current moment. Editor: I never considered how much a simple photo album could reveal about broader social structures. It’s more than just family photos, it's a carefully constructed narrative. Curator: Absolutely. This album becomes a poignant artifact, holding complex layers of meaning. A small object, yes, but resonating with historical and societal implications.