Waterkant 1900 - 1910

This photo, Waterkant, was made by C. Kersten & Co., and captures a waterside scene using a muted, almost monochromatic palette, giving it a timeless quality. The absence of strong colors really pushes you to focus on the composition itself and the textures within the scene. Looking at the water, you can almost feel its stillness; it's rendered with such a subtle gradations of tone. Then, your eye travels along the line of buildings and boats, each detailed with incredible precision. I’m drawn to the way the light hits the side of the architecture, those crisp white surfaces, and how that contrasts with the dark hulls of the ships docked along the shore. There’s a wonderful sense of depth in this image. This photograph reminds me of Edward Hopper, both share a stillness in their art, a quiet observation of everyday life. And ultimately, like all art, it's not just about what you see, but how it makes you feel.