Doop van Juliana, koningin der Nederlanden, in de Willemskerk te Den Haag op 5 juni 1909 1909

This is an anonymous work from 1909 depicting the baptism of Juliana, Queen of the Netherlands, at the Willemskerk in The Hague. The way it’s put together, it’s like a collage of different greys and whites. It feels like a snapshot, capturing a fleeting moment in time. What strikes me is how the artist uses light and shadow to define the figures and architectural details. The surfaces feel smooth and almost luminous, adding to the sense of grandeur and occasion. The dresses in particular are defined by these subtle tonal gradations. The artist's approach reminds me a little of James Ensor’s satirical crowd scenes. While Ensor embraces wild color and grotesque figures, both artists seem interested in capturing the energy and complexity of social gatherings. Art, like history, is an ongoing conversation, with each artist adding their own voice to the mix. Ultimately, this piece invites us to reflect on the enduring power of tradition and the ever-changing nature of representation.