Basel, Zwitserland by Photoglob & Co.

c. 1890 - 1925

Basel, Zwitserland

Photoglob & Co.'s Profile Picture

Photoglob & Co.

@photoglobco

Location

Rijksmuseum

Listen to curator's interpretation

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Curatorial notes

This is a photograph of Basel, Switzerland, made by Photoglob & Co. Sometime in the past. I just love how the image captures this quiet, historical moment. The greyscale palette gives the scene a timeless quality, don’t you think? It almost feels like peering into a memory. The detail is amazing, from the intricate architecture of the buildings to the trees clustered in the foreground. The surface has a lovely matte texture, absorbing the light and drawing you in close. I'm particularly drawn to the way the bridge cuts across the scene, connecting one side of the city to the other. It’s so solid, built to last, and it symbolizes a kind of reaching and connection. I'm reminded of Eugène Atget, who documented the streets of Paris at the turn of the century. Both artists share a fascination with urban landscapes and the stories they hold. It's a reminder that art is always in conversation with itself, across time and place.