Zwembad aan de Westerdoksdijk in Amsterdam 1898

This photograph, titled 'Zwembad aan de Westerdoksdijk in Amsterdam,' was captured by Henri Frederic Oelrichs. The sepia tones and the composition evoke a serene, almost dreamlike quality. The structure of the swimming pool is quite striking, particularly its linear arrangement along the waterfront. Oelrichs’s use of horizontal lines, formed by the building and the bridge, create a sense of stability. In contrast, the vertical elements, such as the tower-like structure on the left, provide a counterpoint, preventing the image from becoming too static. Looking at the image through a structuralist lens, the swimming pool itself can be seen as a signifier of modernity and leisure. The photograph then becomes a study in contrasts— between the natural element of the water and the constructed environment of the pool, mirroring broader cultural tensions. The muted color palette, furthermore, functions as a code, evoking a sense of nostalgia, and perhaps, a commentary on the fleeting nature of modernity. Ultimately, the photograph, with its play of lines and forms, invites us to reflect on how spaces shape our experiences.