Aankomst prinselijk gezin op Vliegveld Teuge - Augustus 1945 Possibly 1945 - 1948

Jan Stevens made this photograph, titled 'Arrival of the Princely Family at Teuge Airport - August 1945', using a camera, at a time of great celebration and rebuilding in Europe. Here we have a scene with carefully chosen tonal graduations. Light and shadow become the syntax of the image, defining forms and guiding our eyes through the scene. It is a very process-oriented piece, with careful arrangements of light and form. Note the grainy texture of the print, which adds a layer of depth and physicality. Look closely at the texture in the grass, and the small girl, a princess, in the foreground. This area resonates with a sense of hope and new beginnings. You can almost feel the soft fabric of her coat and the roughness of the ground beneath her feet. Stevens’ work reminds me of Helen Levitt's street photography, both capturing intimate moments of everyday life with a keen eye for composition and detail. Art is always a conversation, and Stevens speaks to us across time, reminding us of the power of simple moments.