Roeiboten varen van en naar de boten van keizer Wilhelm II, gelegen in een baai 1889

Paul Güssfeldt made this photograph of Kaiser Wilhelm II's boats in a bay. The composition divides the scene into layers: water in the foreground, ships in the middle, and the mountain in the background. The artist’s choice of sepia tones mutes the scene and emphasizes the structural forms within the frame. Notice how the vertical masts intersect with the horizontal lines of the ships' decks, creating a grid-like structure that anchors the composition. The small rowboats add a human element, their simple forms contrasting with the complex rigging of the larger vessels. The flags strung between the masts introduce a festive, almost celebratory element, yet their muted tones prevent them from disrupting the photograph’s overall somber mood. Güssfeldt’s use of light and shadow defines the forms and adds depth to the scene. The photograph captures a moment of historical significance and also invites us to reflect on the interplay between nature, industry, and human activity.