Gezicht op de Loosdrechts plassen 1900 - 1930

Richard Tepe created this photograph of the Loosdrecht lakes, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the composition is dominated by the vertical thrust of the reeds, their forms almost dissolving into the water which reflects and refracts their likeness. This creates a sense of visual unity, where the distinctions between water and plant life blur, inviting a deeper contemplation on nature's interconnectedness. Tepe's choice of sepia tone flattens the image into a scheme of tonal variations, creating a dreamlike quality. This tonal compression can be seen as a semiotic device, transforming a simple landscape into an investigation of perception itself. The soft focus adds to this effect, challenging the viewer to look beyond the surface appearance. Ultimately, this photograph functions as more than a mere depiction; it is an invitation to deconstruct our conventional understanding of landscape art. It presents a vision of the world where structure and fluidity coexist, prompting us to question the boundaries we impose on our perception of reality.