Herdenking Februari-staking op het Waterlooplein Possibly 1946

This small photograph by Charles Breijer captures a memorial for the February Strike at Waterlooplein. The grainy texture, almost like a charcoal drawing, gives a sense of immediacy, as if we’re right there in the crowd. The greyscale palette creates a somber mood. Look closely at the faces in the crowd; each one is unique, yet they merge into a unified mass of people. The speaker on the platform is crisply rendered; his dark suit contrasts with the muted tones of the crowd, drawing our eyes to his figure. This contrast is interesting because it draws attention to him as an individual, yet he speaks for the collective. The photograph doesn’t hide its process; the grain and contrast is a reminder of the time and the technology used to make it. It reminds me of the work of Lisette Model, who also captured everyday people with a similar sense of honesty. Art isn’t about perfection; it’s about capturing a moment, an idea, or an emotion. This photograph does just that, offering a glimpse into a significant moment in history.