Reguliersgracht c. 1905 - 1907

This early photograph, Reguliersgracht, probably taken in the early 20th century by Folkert Idzes de Jong, presents a melancholic view of a canal. I look at this image and wonder about the person who made it, and I bet they spent a while thinking about how to get the perfect exposure, the right amount of light—or darkness—to convey the feeling of a place. The muted tones create a sense of quiet and stillness, almost like a foggy morning when sounds are muffled and the world feels a little bit dreamy. I imagine the artist setting up their camera, carefully framing the scene, and waiting for the right moment when the light and shadows aligned just so. It’s like they’re trying to capture not just the look of the canal but also its mood, its hidden secrets. It's a reminder that artists have always been in conversation with one another, building upon each other’s ideas and pushing the boundaries of their chosen medium. It's all about capturing a moment, and sharing it with the world.