Militair saluut aan de ingehuldigde koningin Wilhelmina en koningin-moeder Emma, beiden staand op het balkon van het Koninklijk Paleis op de Dam Possibly 1898 - 1899

Barend Groote made this photograph of Queen Wilhelmina’s inauguration on the Dam Square in Amsterdam. The photographic process itself is key to understanding this image. It captures a specific moment in time, but also represents a broader social context. Photography democratized image-making, making it accessible to a wider audience than traditional painting. The sepia tone lends the photograph a sense of historical distance, reminding us of the passage of time. The photograph is more than just a record of an event; it is a carefully constructed image that reflects the social and political dynamics of the time. The military salute, the presence of the queen and queen mother, and the assembled crowd all speak to themes of power, authority, and national identity. The photograph thus becomes a powerful symbol of Dutch society at the turn of the 20th century. By considering the material and the making process, we can gain a deeper understanding of this photograph and its significance as a historical document and a work of art.