Studentensociëteit Nos Jungit Amicitia tijdens de lustrumfeesten in 1887 aan het Rokin in Amsterdam 1887

Andreas Theodorus Rooswinkel captured this photograph of the Student Society Nos Jungit Amicitia during the lustrum festivities in 1887 on the Rokin in Amsterdam. The image presents a symmetrical arrangement dominated by the building's facade, with the water's surface acting as a mirror, doubling the architectural detail and human presence. The muted sepia tones lend a timeless quality, yet the photograph's strength lies in its structural composition. Rooswinkel's choice of perspective flattens the scene, emphasizing the interplay between architectural form and its reflection. This flattening, characteristic of photography, challenges traditional notions of depth and space found in painting. The rhythmic repetition of arches and the orderly arrangement of figures suggest a society built on structure and shared identity. The inscription "Nos Jungit Amicitia," Latin for "Friendship Unites Us," reinforces this idea, suggesting the photograph captures a moment of collective unity and pride. The reflections, however, introduce a layer of ambiguity, questioning the solidity of these social structures.