Fotoalbum van de familie van Hendrik Herman van den Berg, 1922-1924 1922 - 1924

Hendrik Herman van den Berg created this family photo album between 1922 and 1924. Visually, the album presents a study in subdued aesthetics. A muted green linen covers the album with a pattern evoking both texture and structure. The surface is inscribed with simple white lettering, denoting a catalog number and the years it covers. The cover's design employs a minimalist structure, prioritizing function over ornamentation. The lines of the linen create a grid that, while subtle, suggests an underlying order. This compositional choice may reflect the period's broader interest in functionalism, where an object’s purpose dictates its form. The lettering appears almost provisional, handwritten, and not formally printed, hinting at personal and informal qualities. It is a material object that contains images of human relationships that point to an intimate story about the artist. Ultimately, the album cover invites us to consider the interplay between public presentation and private content.