Gezicht op de Dam en de Beurs van Zocher tijdens de inhuldigingsfeesten van Wilhelmina van 5 tot en met 9 september 1898 Possibly 1898 - 1899

This photograph by Sigmund Löw captures the inauguration festivities of Queen Wilhelmina in Amsterdam in September 1898. The sepia tones and the small size of the print give it an intimate feel, despite the grand subject matter. The image is richly detailed. The bustling Dam Square is adorned with elaborate decorations, banners, and throngs of people. Look closely, and you can see the intricate details of the architecture, the horse-drawn carriages, and the fashionable attire of the spectators. But this is not just a neutral record; photography in this period was a relatively new medium, requiring skill in both the taking and developing of images. The photographer's control of the process, from choosing the vantage point to carefully timing the exposure, demonstrates that even a documentary photograph can be considered a crafted object. This image serves as a potent reminder that all forms of making are shaped by the hand, eye, and choices of the maker. It also highlights the power of photography to capture fleeting moments in time, preserving them for future generations.