Gezicht op een brug en kanaal in Venetië before 1903

This photogravure print of a Venetian bridge and canal was created by Alfred Kirstein sometime around the turn of the twentieth century. Looking at the composition I am immediately drawn into the process of constructing this image. I'm imagining Kirstein there in Venice, setting up his camera and the amount of adjustment, the patience, and the sheer delight he must have felt at capturing this moment. What was it like to be him, looking through the lens, making all those tiny decisions? I can see the delicate balance between light and shadow. It's not just about recording a scene, but about exploring a mood, maybe a sense of tranquility in the midst of the city. The warm tones give it a timeless feel. Kirstein's not just taking a picture; he's making a statement, contributing to a much larger conversation about art and representation. It reminds me of something John Szarkowski said about how photography isn’t a mirror reflecting the world but a window onto it.