Gezicht op het Koninklijk Paleis op de Dam in Amsterdam 1870 - 1900

This photograph captures the Koninklijk Paleis, or Royal Palace, on Dam Square in Amsterdam. It was taken by M.M. Couvée. At first glance, the Palace appears as a stoic symbol of Dutch sovereignty. But, the image also invites us to reflect on the complicated legacies of colonialism and social hierarchy. Originally built as Amsterdam's city hall during the Dutch Golden Age, the Palace became a royal residence in the early 19th century, during a period of immense political change in Europe. Seen in the photograph, the Dam Square seems almost empty, and the absence of bustling crowds underscores the Palace’s imposing presence. This sense of emptiness might prompt us to consider who has access to these spaces of power and who is excluded. Photographs like this not only document history but also shape our understanding of power. They invite us to examine critically the narratives that are presented and the stories that remain untold.