Gezicht op een huis aan de Vecht in Breukelen before 1915

Bernard Eilers captured this view of a house on the Vecht River in Breukelen with photography, a medium that was still finding its place in the art world. Consider the social context: Eilers, working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, navigated a society undergoing rapid industrialization. The Vecht River, known for its scenic beauty, became a retreat for the wealthy seeking respite from urban life, and Eilers was known to have been commissioned by wealthy families. But what does it mean to capture this serene scene? The photograph offers us a glimpse into the lives of those who could afford such tranquility, but it also quietly acknowledges the labor and social structures that enabled their privileged lifestyle. Eilers doesn't overtly critique, but invites us to reflect on the layers of society subtly present in this tranquil waterside scene.