Portret van Emma, koningin-regentes der Nederlanden 1925 - 1934

This is a photo taken by Franz Ziegler, sometime around the early 20th century, of Queen Emma of the Netherlands. The sepia tone gives it this wonderful warm glow. What I love about old photos like this is the way they capture a moment, almost like a painting but with this added layer of reality. Look at the way the light catches the lace on her dress, it's so intricate! You can almost feel the texture. The way the photographer has captured the Queen's regal demeanor, with the hint of a soft expression, it's just lovely. The sepia tone, almost like a filter, creates a sense of timelessness. It is as if she is not just Queen Emma, but a figure from a dream. It makes me think of Nadar, the French photographer, who also captured the spirit of his sitters with a similar sensitivity. Ultimately, it reminds us that art, in whatever form, is about capturing a fleeting moment and turning it into something enduring.