Twee foto's van een boottocht en de Waterpoort in Sneek, augustus 1922 1922 - 1928

These two photographs, taken by Hendrik Herman van den Berg in August 1922, offer a glimpse into leisure and life in Sneek. The sepia tones indicate the use of traditional photographic processes, likely involving glass plate negatives and darkroom techniques. Notice how the surface quality of the photograph is tactile, bearing the marks of its making, so different from the slickness of digital imagery. The act of taking and developing photographs in the early 20th century was labour-intensive and required specialised knowledge. The composition of the photographs, the selection of subject matter, and the very act of capturing these moments reflect a particular social context and aesthetic sensibility. Van den Berg's work reminds us that even seemingly simple snapshots are the result of material processes and cultural choices. Appreciating these aspects allows us to move beyond the image and to understand the wider context that shaped its creation.