Zeilschepen bij de haven van Antwerpen before 1888

This photograph, "Zeilschepen bij de haven van Antwerpen," by Victor Selb presents a scene dominated by the interplay of light and shadow, captured in a monochrome palette. The composition is structured around the vertical masts of the sailboats, which pierce the horizontal expanse of the water and sky. This creates a striking contrast, immediately drawing the eye upward. The texture of the water, rendered through subtle gradations of tone, suggests movement and depth. The artist uses the sails as geometric shapes, breaking the natural scene into defined forms. The reflection of the city skyline in the water creates a sense of ambiguity, blurring the line between the real and the mirrored. The strategic use of tonal variation creates depth and atmosphere, suggesting the artist's engagement with the idea of the harbor as a space of transition and reflection, both literally and metaphorically. Through these techniques, Selb offers a modern perspective on a traditional subject, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between form and representation.