Crêpe Batterij Possibly 1935

Curator: This gelatin-silver print, tentatively dated to 1935, is titled "Crêpe Batterij," and it currently resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My initial impression is one of stark industrial realism. The composition is dominated by these massive machines, arranged in a rigorous, almost musical, sequence. The lighting, though diffused, seems to highlight the geometry of the machinery. Curator: Indeed, there is a captivating contrast here. The photograph offers a glimpse into the industrial labor force, emphasizing its contribution to modernity and economic power dynamics in the 1930s. These machines probably were essential for textile production. The labor force, especially workers in mechanized sectors like this one, was affected by labor practices and class structures. Editor: Structurally, the lines converge towards a vanishing point, creating a deep perspective and drawing the viewer into the mechanical landscape. The worker’s presence—standing somewhat rigidly next to a small sign—is an element that amplifies the monumental scale and visual organization. Curator: Yes, it also begs questions. Consider the worker. What’s his position within this system? Does he feel alienated, or empowered, by his role in operating this colossal machine? There are historical, gendered implications and social dynamics worth considering when approaching work such as this one. Editor: Those implications are present, yet formally the photographic contrasts are masterfully handled, from the tonal range of grays to the interplay of light and shadow across the mechanical surfaces, giving it texture. Curator: So you see value in its aesthetic form over its historical context? What I see when looking at the print is the reflection of our ever changing and sometimes volatile modern life. Editor: To see, in its shapes and form, something of modern life feels accurate to the composition’s effect. Curator: I see it too. What is the image if not just one singular image within modernity's project?