Waldemar Titzenthaler, de fotograaf, met zijn dochter Marba Possibly 1912 - 1918

Waldemar Titzenthaler made this photograph with his daughter Marba, and well, it's a real moment, isn't it? The tones here, almost monochromatic, work like a wash drawing where the subject matter emerges as the composition progresses. There's a starkness to the light, exposing every detail on their faces. See how the light hits the man's ring and the sleeve of the baby's outfit? This is like the artist building up layers of light and shadow, each stroke a step towards the finished piece. The texture and the grain of the photograph, with its soft focus, remind me of a Degas painting. The way he captured intimate scenes from everyday life – moments that feel both fleeting and timeless. Look at the way the man is looking at the camera. It's like he's sizing up the world, while his daughter seems preoccupied with some mystery. Ultimately, this piece is a testament to the open ended and continuous conversation that art has, and a simple reminder that art is always in conversation with life.