Binnenplaats van Kasteel Bentheim 1895 - 1903

H.H. Wittkamp created this black and white photograph of 'Binnenplaats van Kasteel Bentheim', capturing the inner courtyard of Bentheim Castle. The image evokes the historical weight and social stratifications inherent in such a structure. Castles like Bentheim were not just residences; they were symbols of power, control, and feudal hierarchy. Wittkamp’s photograph freezes a moment in the castle’s long history, prompting reflections on the lives of those who lived within its walls. Consider, too, who is missing from the photograph: where are the servants and workers, the vast majority of people who would have been present in the daily life of the castle? The romantic stillness of the scene obscures the social dynamics at play. Wittkamp’s work invites us to reflect on the complex layers of history, power, and representation embedded within the stones of Bentheim Castle. It serves as a poignant reminder of the stories that buildings can tell and, perhaps more importantly, the stories they often leave untold.