Isabel Wachenheimer op straat met haar grootvader Meir Wachenheimer, najaar-winter c. 1932 - 1937

This photograph of Isabel Wachenheimer with her grandfather, Meir Wachenheimer, probably dates to the late 1930s or early 1940s. It is made with gelatin silver print, a process that defined much of 20th-century photography. The material is humble, yet it encapsulates a unique moment. The black and white tones, the paper's texture, and the slight imperfections all contribute to the photograph's aura. It’s important to think about the social context of the image. The Wachenheimer family, like many others, used photography to document their lives. It was a relatively accessible technology, allowing for personal narratives to be captured and preserved. Yet, the photograph also speaks to the fragility of those narratives. As a historical artifact, the image carries weight, hinting at untold stories and the broader context of the Holocaust. Understanding the materiality of the photograph, its creation, and its survival helps us appreciate its value as both a personal memento and a historical document.