Koningin Juliana, Prinses Beatrix, Prinses Irene en Prins Bernhard op het balkon 1962

This photograph by Anefo captures Queen Juliana, Princess Beatrix, Princess Irene, and Prince Bernhard on a balcony. While the photograph itself is a relatively straightforward document, the wrought iron of the balcony is interesting. The design is very ornate, with curving, organic forms. It must have taken a great deal of labor to produce. The iron would have been heated and bent into shape by a skilled artisan, probably working in a small workshop. Consider the contrast between the labor-intensive production of the balcony and the relatively easy production of a photograph. The photograph flattens the image and removes the sense of depth and texture that would have been present in the actual balcony. It represents a shift in modes of production, from craft to industry. Photographs like this one were increasingly used to disseminate images of the royal family to a wider audience. They were a way of creating a sense of connection between the royals and the people, even as the distance between them grew. Ultimately, understanding the materials and making of the balcony helps us to appreciate the changing relationship between craft, industry, and society in the modern world.