Koningin Wilhelmina op paleis Noordeinde Possibly 1945 - 1947

This photograph of Queen Wilhelmina at Paleis Noordeinde was made by an anonymous photographer, its date unknown. The contrast is really working for me here. The Queen's fur stole looks so tangible; I can imagine how soft it feels. Looking closely, it's not just about capturing likeness, it's more about texture and capturing a particular moment. The bouquet in her hands mirrors the fur and creates a focal point, drawing our eyes to her center. The greyscale palette gives the image a timeless, historical quality. The use of light and shadow also adds depth. I wonder what film they used and how it was developed. This image reminds me a little of some of Gerhard Richter's photo paintings, where the blurriness and greyscale create a kind of detached, melancholic feeling. It’s a stark reminder that art isn't just about what we see, but how we see and feel it.