Zes vrouwen in klederdracht c. 1898 - 1915

Frits Freerks Fontein Fz. captured these six women in traditional dress with a camera and photographic plate at an unknown date. The subdued monochrome palette gives the image a timeless quality, making it hard to pinpoint its exact moment, the muted tones and soft focus evoke a sense of nostalgia. Looking closely, the texture of the women's clothing is almost palpable – the crispness of their aprons and skirts stands out. Fontein's attention to these details is striking. Take the way the light catches the folds of the fabric, creating subtle contrasts. It reminds me of the way artists like Gerhard Richter manipulate focus to invite you into their paintings, drawing attention to certain details and blurring others. This photograph speaks to the ongoing dialogue between photography and painting, each medium informing the other in unexpected ways. What stories do you think these women could tell about their lives?