Familiealbum van de familie Kessler-De Lange c. 1890 - 1910

Margaretha Jacoba Johanna (Margo) Kessler-de Lange created this family album with what looks like a green textile cover and metal clasp. The album presents a formal symmetry that invites reflection on the structure of memory itself. At first glance, the album's design seems decorative, the golden metal clasp and fittings set against the textured backdrop. But consider how these elements function structurally: the clasp not only holds the album together but also acts as a focal point, drawing the eye to the center. This compositional strategy emphasizes containment. The metalwork is an elaborate design of flowers; these organic shapes contrast with the geometric form of the album itself. We can view this contrast as a commentary on the act of preserving organic memories within fixed forms. The album cover, with its subtle gradations of color, almost seems to absorb light. This album is more than a repository of images; it’s an artifact that embodies ideas about memory, preservation, and the interplay between form and content.