Stadsgezicht aan de kust before 1902

This coastal cityscape of H. Cuénod's might come from a book, maybe a textbook, who knows? The sepia tones and textured surface give it an old-world feel, like a faded photograph capturing a moment in time. I imagine Cuénod carefully composing the shot, considering the light and shadow, and probably thinking about how to best represent the architecture of the buildings as they cascade down the hillside. What was the photographer thinking as they pressed the shutter button? The image has a softness to it, a dreamlike quality that invites you to step inside. It reminds me a little of Atget's documentary photographs of Paris, capturing the everyday beauty of the city with a quiet reverence. There's a sense of history here, of a place that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire artists and dreamers. Photographers today build on the shoulders of giants like Cuénod, experimenting with new technologies while still honoring the traditions of the past. Painting and photography, constantly inspiring each other.