Open rijtuig met koningin Wilhelmina en koningin-moeder Emma en escorte bij de inhuldiging op het Frederiksplein in Amsterdam 1898 - 1899

Barend Groote captured this image of Queen Wilhelmina's inauguration procession in Amsterdam with a camera, likely a large format one, and photographic paper. The sepia tone indicates a traditional printing process, probably using silver or platinum salts sensitive to light. What's remarkable about this photograph is the way it encapsulates a pivotal moment in Dutch history. It also embodies the rise of mass media, where photography played a crucial role in documenting events and shaping public perception. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer meticulously setting up the shot to the darkroom technicians developing the image, each step required skill and precision. The photograph itself becomes a commodity, a tangible representation of a national spectacle available for mass consumption. By considering the materials, making, and social context of this photograph, we gain a deeper appreciation for its historical and cultural significance, beyond just a static image of royalty.