Frederiksplein te Amsterdam before 1894

Hendrik Herman van den Berg created this photograph, simply titled 'Frederiksplein te Amsterdam', using an unspecified process sometime during his lifetime, which spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Van den Berg's position as a white European man undoubtedly shaped his perspective and artistic choices. It's worth considering how class, social norms, and the prevailing artistic conventions of his time influenced his representation of this urban space. The photograph captures a slice of Amsterdam, presenting a serene public square, a space presumably intended for the enjoyment of all citizens. Yet, it's important to question whose stories are missing from this image. Who had access to this space and who was excluded? What were the social dynamics at play in this seemingly neutral public arena? By contemplating these questions, we can begin to understand the intricate connections between identity, place, and representation in Van den Berg's work. The photograph invites us to reflect on the complex tapestry of urban life.