Perhaps it’s the lovely shots or the tinted prints that make these images so moving. Or perhaps it’s the scenes of country life, so serene and peaceful. We’ll let you decide. One thing we know for certain is that these wonderful photographs are enchanting to say the least. Have a look for yourself at these prints from 1890 in Holland.

Via/ Library of Congress
Two young ladies hard at work, Marken Island. Via/ Library of Congress
Fishing boats in Scheveningen. Via/ Library of Congress
Interior of house on Marken Island. Via/ Library of Congress
Beekhuizen cane plantation in Arnhem. Via/ Library of Congress
Village near Dordrecht. Via/ Library of Congress

These photochrom images combine the best of lithographic printing and photography, and they were cutting edge in their day. The look is something that goes beyond the hand-tinted prints of competitors’ and the machine printing ensures a consistent color palette for each picture. These quaint scenes of daily life are captured beautifully in these pictures, like time capsules from the 19th century.

Fisherman, Marken Island. Via/ Library of Congress
Group of children on Marken Island. Via/ Library of Congress
Steiger canal, Rotterdam. Via/ Library of Congress
Marken Island harbor. Via/ Library of Congress
Gemeenlandshuis building, Delft. Via/ Library of Congress
Bier Quay canal, Hague. Via/ Library of Congress