Verfrissing in het zwembad Possibly 1942 - 1948

Fotopersbureau Stevens captured this photo of "Verfrissing in het zwembad" (Refreshment in the Pool). It’s a small photo, but it feels expansive, like it could keep going forever. Look at how the figures overlap, creating a sea of bodies soaking up the sun. It's all in black and white, which lends it a timeless quality, despite the specificity of a crowded pool. The way the sunlight falls across the scene, it creates a textured surface of shadows and highlights. The photographer doesn't hide the graininess of the image – instead it adds to the immediacy of the moment. There’s a ladder going into the pool on the left; it's almost abstract in its starkness. It reminds me of a Sol LeWitt sculpture, simple and functional, yet visually striking. This photo is not about perfection; it’s about the raw, unfiltered energy of a summer day. It's like when you see Weegee's crime scene photos. It captures a collective experience. Ambiguity is embraced, and perhaps, that's the point.