Versailles, Grand Trianon (Le Parc) 1905

This photograph of a fountain at the Grand Trianon was made by Eugène Atget, probably in the early 20th century, using a large format camera and printing out paper. The sepia tones and soft focus are so beautiful, like a memory. I love how Atget captures the texture of the stone, almost like he’s caressing it with his lens. You can practically feel the cool dampness of the water and the rough edges of the sculpture. Look closely at the cupid figure at the top. The details are blurred, but you can still make out the curve of the bow and the cherubic face. It’s a fleeting moment, captured in time. The composition is so elegant and understated, and there is a gentle, even light. Atget reminds me of the painter Giorgio Morandi, someone else who found endless inspiration in everyday subjects. Both artists show us how much beauty there is to be found if you take the time to really look, and how a humble subject can be something truly transformative.