In het rijtuig 1903

Editor: This is “In het rijtuig,” or "In the Carriage," from 1903. It’s by Geldolph Adriaan Kessler and held here at the Rijksmuseum. Looking at the washed-out colors, the hazy forms, I almost feel like I’m peering into a memory. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a potent image of early 20th-century social stratification and leisure. The carriage itself signifies wealth and status, allowing a privileged view of the world. What kind of stories do you imagine were playing out here in the upperclass during this period? Editor: I suppose there’s a performative aspect to it all, being seen in public, showcasing their affluence. Do you think Kessler was making a commentary on class differences? Curator: Absolutely, whether intentional or not, Kessler's depiction participates in the visual language of class. Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum; galleries and those who are displayed or not within these places are making social and political claims. Editor: That's a really insightful way to frame it! I never considered how the mere act of portraying these individuals could itself be a statement. Curator: And how does this awareness alter your perception? Does the mood change? Editor: It definitely makes me look at it less as a wistful memory and more as a carefully constructed social tableau. I think I'll remember to ask "for whom, and for what purpose" with pieces I'm seeing. Curator: Indeed. By questioning the ‘why’ behind the ‘what,’ we start to uncover the fascinating intersection of art and its public role.