Interieur van de kamer van Hendrik Herman van den Berg before 1894

Hendrik Herman van den Berg captured this interior scene with a camera, creating a detailed tableau. The composition is rich, almost claustrophobic, with patterned wallpaper that seems to advance towards us. The room’s structure is defined by vertical doors and framed pictures against the dense backdrop, creating a play between defined spaces and overwhelming decoration. The photograph uses light to articulate form, casting shadows that suggest depth while also flattening the space. The hanging lamp casts an unnatural light, which emphasizes the textures and patterns of the wallpaper, creating an immersive visual experience. The photograph challenges traditional notions of space by creating an interior that is both intimate and visually complex. The image suggests that personal space is not merely physical, but also psychological, shaped by the accumulation of objects and the interplay of light and shadow.