Binnenplaats van de boerderij bij Kasteel Schaesberg 1890 - 1920

Editor: So, this photograph, "Binnenplaats van de boerderij bij Kasteel Schaesberg," likely taken between 1890 and 1920 by an anonymous photographer, depicts the courtyard of a castle. The mood is a bit muted, a little… industrial, almost? What do you see here, looking at this through your lens? Curator: Well, what immediately strikes me is the depiction of labor. It’s not just the castle as a site of power, but the surrounding materials and tools that speak volumes about its upkeep. Look at the carriage, the hay – all the things needed for its economy to function. Do you notice the textures in the photograph? The rough stonework against the smoother rendering of the paper itself? Editor: Absolutely, the contrast is really telling. It brings the tactile qualities to the fore. Is that intentional? Curator: I think so. The very act of photographing shifts the perspective. We aren’t simply seeing the castle, but observing the means by which the artist chose to record it. The tones are deliberately muted, directing attention not towards the architectural grandeur, but instead to the everyday tasks involved. Even the placement of equipment feels calculated, inviting viewers to consider its function as it sits within this site. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. It is very much like a historical record, with that raw, documentary feel to it. So, what did you make of the decision to keep the photographer anonymous? Curator: The anonymity allows us to focus on the material history recorded rather than being influenced by the brand and artistic licence. The means of its creation: paper, emulsion, time… it all encourages a consideration of class, means of production and how even the everyday image has inherent socioeconomic worth. What has it all done for you? Editor: I think I'm starting to see how the choice of material, and even the lack of a known artist, shapes how we understand the photo. It becomes less about romanticism and more about the tangible realities of life at the time. Thank you!