Speed c. 20th century

Robert Demachy made this evocative photograph, “Speed,” using the gum bichromate process. It's all about capturing a fleeting moment, like a memory fading at the edges. The image swims in a pool of soft grays and muted blacks, giving it an almost dreamlike quality. The texture is key here— the gum bichromate process allows for a painterly effect, so it's not about crisp details but rather a sense of movement and atmosphere. Notice how the car seems to blur into its surroundings, with hazy trails suggesting velocity. The road appears to melt into the distance, and everything feels impermanent. Looking at this, I’m reminded of Gerhard Richter's blurred paintings, where the act of seeing becomes as important as what we're looking at. "Speed" isn't just about a car racing, it's about how we perceive motion and how images can capture the sensation of time passing. It reminds us that art isn't about answers but about opening up possibilities for seeing and feeling.