Fotoreproductie van een portret van Robert Schumann before 1901

This is a photomechanical print of Robert Schumann in the Rijksmuseum, and what strikes me is how the anonymous artist used grayscale to convey depth and emotion. It's a reminder that artmaking is always a process of translation, of turning something real into something felt. I'm drawn to the texture of the print, how the ink sits on the page, almost like charcoal on paper. Look closely, and you can see the subtle gradations of tone that give Schumann's face its form. There's a real physicality to it. Notice how the artist plays with light and shadow, creating a sense of drama and interiority. It’s how you can see a soul in this image. This piece reminds me a bit of early works by Gerhard Richter, who also explored the emotional potential of black and white photography. Art is an ongoing conversation, a way of seeing and feeling that evolves over time.