Prins Bernhard als piloot in zijn nieuwe Fokker Friendship Possibly 1960

W. Månsson made this photograph of Prins Bernhard in the cockpit of his new Fokker Friendship; its monochrome palette captures a moment of poised control. I imagine Månsson, camera in hand, acutely aware of the fleeting expressions crossing the Prince’s face. He must have watched for a glint of confidence, a hint of excitement. Look how the Prince glances back, a slight smile playing on his lips. It’s a gesture that speaks volumes, suggesting perhaps the thrill of piloting this new aircraft. Photography, like painting, is all about capturing light and shadow, texture and depth. Here, the surfaces of the cockpit's interior take on a tactile quality. The gauges and dials aren't just details; they’re integral to the photograph’s narrative, each telling its own story of engineering. Artists, photographers, pilots – we’re all in conversation with one another, pushing boundaries, and exploring new perspectives. Månsson’s image invites us to consider the possibilities of flight, the beauty of technology, and the human desire to conquer the skies.