Gezicht op een rivier before 1897

This photogravure is by Christiaan Johan Neeb, titled "Gezicht op een rivier." At first glance, the composition is anchored by the horizontal flow of the river, bisecting a dense landscape. The monochromatic palette emphasizes tonal variations, inviting us to explore the interplay between light and shadow. Neeb uses the river’s surface as a mirror, doubling the visual information and creating a symmetrical yet destabilized image. Neeb's employment of photogravure, a process known for its rich tonal range and fine detail, adds depth. This can be seen in the texture of the foliage and the reflective qualities of the water. It evokes not just a visual but also a tactile experience. The choice of this medium speaks to the broader artistic concerns of the time, as artists sought to legitimize photography as a fine art by aligning it with traditional printmaking techniques. Note the subtle, almost ghostly quality of the reflection, which destabilizes the established meaning of landscape art. Instead, it poses questions about perception, reality, and the very nature of representation.