Gezicht op de Låtefossen before 1893

Paul Lange created this photograph of the Låtefossen waterfall, capturing a scene dominated by contrasts of light and shadow. A monochromatic palette emphasizes the textures of rock, water, and foliage, lending the scene a dramatic, almost sublime quality. The composition draws the eye upwards, from the road and a solitary figure, towards the cascading water that merges into the misty heights. This upward movement is not just a visual trick, but a structuring element that suggests a journey—both physical and perhaps spiritual—into nature's grandeur. The human figure is dwarfed by the landscape, which reinforces the traditional Romantic theme of nature's overwhelming power. Notice how Lange uses light to define form. Light doesn’t just illuminate, it shapes the visual narrative. The photograph challenges us to reflect on our place within the natural order, and the interplay between humanity and landscape.