Man en vrouw zitten in een grasveld te midden van een berglandschap c. 1920 - 1945

Geldolph Adriaan Kessler captured this image of a man and woman amidst a mountainous landscape, sometime before his death in 1945. This photograph offers a glimpse into the gender dynamics and leisure activities of the early to mid-20th century. The scene, a couple seated in a field, is simple. Yet it evokes questions about their relationship to each other and to the land. The man, in his positioning and attire, might suggest a sense of casual authority, while the woman’s pose could imply a more demure engagement. The natural setting is a shared space, however, their interactions within it subtly reflect societal expectations of gender. Consider the historical context: Kessler, who would later be involved in resistance work during the Second World War, may have sought refuge in the simplicity of nature. This image captures a moment of respite, perhaps a longing for normalcy amidst growing unrest. How does this image, with its quiet intimacy, speak to the complexities of identity and belonging during a tumultuous period in history?