This color photograph shows a carefully staged living room scene from 1964, convincingly expressing the modernist Dutch living ideal of the 1960s. The interior is characterized by clean lines, functional forms, and a balanced composition of wood, textiles, and color.
The seating furniture—a sofa and matching armchairs with slender wooden frames and lightly upholstered cushions—is attributed to Pastoe of Gelderland and reflects the understated modernism that characterized these brands during this period. The low coffee table and the modular wall unit, with adjustable shelves and vertical columns, clearly resemble Pastoe's Japanese series, an iconic design from post-war Dutch furniture history.
In the background is a simple dining area, in the style of Pastoe or De Cirkel, while the lighting completes the interior: a standing lamp reminiscent of designs by Hala or Philips, and a characteristic pendant lamp above the dining table in the style of Louis Kalff for Philips.
The subdued color scheme—with a deep blue wall, warm wood tones, and subtle accents—underscores the early use of color photography as a means of documenting interiors and design. The photo functions both as a stylistic document of Dutch design from the 1960s and as an autonomous photographic work with distinct museum qualities.
Details
Title: Salon
Year: 1964 (date unknown)
Photographer: Hoef, W.P.W. van de
Technique: Analog color photography
Format: 30.5 × 30.5 cm
Finish: With white border
Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsMulti Color, BlueMaterialPaperNumber of items1First ownerYesOrientationSquareArt sizeSmallHeight30 cmWidth30 cm