Interieur van de Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, zoals dat was bij de inhuldiging van Wilhelmina als koningin 1898

Sigmund Löw captured this photograph of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, showcasing Wilhelmina's inauguration as queen. The sepia tones and textures lend the interior a sense of solemnity. Note how the strict linear perspective—converging along the central aisle—organizes our view toward the elevated chancel. Rows of benches lead to the focal point, a canopied space where the coronation took place. The verticality of the columns and gothic arches contrast with the horizontal emphasis of the seating, establishing a visual rhythm. Löw meticulously captures the details of the decorations, from the draped fabrics to the floral arrangements, all of which augment the space. The photograph thus operates on multiple levels: as a documentation of a historical event and as a study in form and structure. It prompts us to consider how architectural spaces are manipulated to convey power and meaning. It's a study in perspective and composition as a tool to guide our perception and reinforce the established social order.