Groepsfoto van de familie 1934

This is a black and white photograph of the Wachenheimer family, probably taken in January 1939. The print itself is quite small and mounted on card, which gives it a sense of being a precious object, carefully handled. Photography in this period was becoming increasingly accessible, yet it remained a specialized craft, demanding technical expertise in developing and printing. Looking at this image, you can almost imagine the photographer in their darkroom, carefully manipulating chemicals and light to bring this family portrait to life. The family have dressed in their best attire, their clothing carefully made by skilled tailors and seamstresses; you can see the quality and craftsmanship in the fabrics and the way they drape on the body. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the labor and skill involved in creating even seemingly simple objects, and the way that these skills were valued and passed down through generations. It challenges our assumptions about the divide between art, craft, and everyday life.