Doop van prinses Beatrix, 12 mei 1938 1938

Curator: This photographic collage captures the christening of Princess Beatrix on May 12, 1938. Preserved at the Rijksmuseum, the piece gives us a fascinating peek into royal tradition through the lens of, presumably, anonymous photojournalism. Editor: Oh, goodness, look at the chubby little cherub! The top left picture of baby Beatrix, she looks almost annoyed by all the pomp and circumstance to come. Or maybe it’s gas? Who can tell! Curator: Well, the two close-up portraits do offer a very personal and intimate perspective, contrasting quite starkly with the two wider shots which show the sheer scale of the event, teeming with individuals in suits and dresses who witnessed this important moment in Dutch history. It definitely speaks to power dynamics and national identity formation. Editor: Totally! And you know, the black and white grainy finish really amplifies the 'olden days' vibe, doesn't it? The photo on the bottom reminds me of a penguin colony…formal dress… lots of squawking… but way fancier headgear! And I feel a palpable weight in those pictures – a feeling that the future of a nation somehow rested on those tiny shoulders. Or at least, that's what they wanted everyone to believe. Curator: Indeed. It serves as a carefully constructed visual narrative designed to project stability and continuity amidst rising political tensions in Europe. What’s really intriguing here is that photojournalism served a very specific political function in that particular historical moment. Editor: Definitely curated history. Like, "Hey, look! Everything's fine, keep calm and carry on". And all that under the scrutiny of a thousand beady little eyes. Gosh, it does put a bit of a dark spin on the whole fairy tale princess thing. Curator: Precisely. Thinking about this artwork really invites us to question the stories that photographs tell us, particularly the ways in which national identity, monarchy, and media intersect. Editor: True, and what that poor baby had to endure, or not. I guess even royals have their… "goo goo gaa gaa" moments!