Matrozen vieren feest 1940 - 1943

This photo, "Sailors Celebrating," in the Rijksmuseum, looks like it was taken with a small camera—a candid shot capturing a group of sailors at what must have been a very fun party. I think about what it must have felt like to be in that room, the atmosphere, the sounds. The way everyone is arranged, some clustered together, others slightly apart, tells a story of connection, of camaraderie. As a painter, I am always curious about composition, not just what is included, but how it is arranged, what is hidden, and what is brought to the fore. There is a definite depth of field here, creating a sense of space and drawing you into the moment. Looking at this piece, I start thinking about other photographers who captured similar moments. There is a long lineage of artists observing life and trying to catch it on the wing! I love how they can inspire one another’s creativity, don’t you?