Inzegening van het huwelijk van prinses Juliana en prins Bernhard in de St. Jacobskerk in Den Haag, 7 januari 1937 Possibly 1937

Erich Salomon made this photograph of the wedding of Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard in The Hague on January 7th, 1937. Look at how the greys dance together, almost like notes in a song, capturing the light filtering through the church and the textures of the royal attire. The photograph is a study in contrasts, isn't it? The stark black of Bernhard's uniform against the delicate white of Juliana's gown and veil. It’s like Salomon is painting with light. The details in the veil are particularly striking, almost dissolving into the background and creating a halo effect. The texture of the carpet beneath them is equally beautiful and seems to contain tiny stories within its repetitive pattern. Salomon had a knack for capturing these kinds of intimate moments in public events. Think of someone like Garry Winogrand later on. It’s about showing life as it unfolds, with all its inherent contradictions and ambiguities. It’s about embracing the messy reality of existence.