foto c. 1895 - 1925

This photo of Alphons Diepenbrock, made sometime between 1862 and 1921, is an intriguing inversion. It's not just a simple portrait but a reversed image, turning light into shadow and shadow into light. It's like seeing a ghost of a photograph, a ghostly echo of the man himself. The textures are fascinating; the smoothness of his suit is contrasted by the grainy background, making him appear as if he's emerging from a dream. Look at his eyes – they're pools of light, drawing you in, questioning you. Is this a statement about visibility, about how we perceive artists and their inner worlds? This negative image reminds me a bit of the work of Lisette Model, who played with similar contrasts to reveal hidden truths. Perhaps this piece is part of an ongoing conversation about how we choose to see – or not see – the world around us, inviting us to question our own perspectives.