Gezicht op de Rijn met aangemeerde boten, Königswinter c. 1895 - 1905

This albumen print by David Vermeulen captures a serene view of the Rhine with boats moored at Königswinter. The composition is structured around the horizontal expanse of the river, bisected by the distant shore. A cluster of boats dominates the midground, their vertical masts creating a rhythmic series of lines that draw the eye upwards. Vermeulen’s choice of the albumen process renders the scene in soft sepia tones, which creates a hazy atmosphere. The photograph evokes a sense of stillness, yet it subtly destabilizes traditional landscape conventions. The hazy atmosphere abstracts the scene and obscures details. By focusing on the interplay of light, line, and form, Vermeulen invites us to consider how photography can transform our perception of space and representation.