Luftwaffe soldaten op een terras 1941 - 1942

This small photograph, of unknown date and origin, shows Luftwaffe soldiers on a terrace. It's a simple gelatin silver print, a process which, by the 20th century, had become utterly routine. The paper support is humble, probably machine-made, with a deckled edge suggesting a casual approach to the printing. The anonymous maker of this image wasn't after artistic effect. What's striking about this image is how it brings together the terrible mechanics of war with the utterly ordinary business of taking a break. The soldiers are enjoying a sunny day with their coffee and cigarettes, just like anyone else might. Yet their presence speaks volumes about the occupation of Europe during World War II. The photo’s matter-of-fact quality makes it all the more affecting. It reminds us that even the most monumental events are, at their core, made up of countless small moments, and that the way we record these moments can have a profound impact on how we understand history. It challenges the distinction between official narratives and personal experiences.