Drie foto's van leden van familie Onnen-Van den Berg bij de Loosdrechtse Plassen 1918

This album page presents three photographic prints documenting the Onnen-Van den Berg family in Loosdrecht in August 1918. The images, made using the chemical processes of early photography, offer a glimpse into the leisure activities of a family during that time. The black and white tones and textured surfaces are inherent to the materials and processes employed. Gelatin silver prints like these were made in a darkroom, layering light-sensitive emulsions on paper. The material limitations of early photography, requiring long exposure times and specific lighting, influenced the subjects' poses and the overall composition of the scenes. The creation of these images involved the labor of the photographer, likely a skilled artisan. Moreover, the availability of photographic technology and materials reflects the growth of industrial manufacturing and consumer culture during the early 20th century. The very act of documenting leisure activities suggests a level of social and economic privilege. By examining the materials, making, and context of these photographs, we can expand our understanding of the artwork. It allows us to challenge the traditional boundaries between fine art, craft, and everyday life.