Berti Hoppe en haar tante bij Kasteel Oud-Wassenaar en het Binnenhof 1933

Herman Besselaar's album page, titled 'Berti Hoppe en haar tante bij Kasteel Oud-Wassenaar en het Binnenhof', presents a series of snapshots that offer a glimpse into the lives of women in early 20th-century Netherlands. The photographs depict Berti Hoppe and her aunt against the backdrop of stately castles and formal gardens. These carefully composed images construct an identity rooted in leisure and social standing. The presence of the imposing architecture symbolizes a connection to history and tradition, while the figures of the women suggest an engagement with contemporary society. However, the absence of explicit dates invites us to consider the potential disruptions of that era, such as the World Wars. The images evoke a sense of longing for stability amid social and political turmoil. The images, with their emphasis on poise and composure, hint at the complexities of negotiating identity in a changing world.