Gezicht op twee meren bij Gérardmer 1870 - 1900

Étienne Neurdein captured this photographic print, *Gezicht op twee meren bij Gérardmer*, likely in the late 19th century. As photography became more accessible, it fueled a romantic obsession with landscapes, reflecting both a scientific interest in documentation and a desire to capture the sublime beauty of nature. Neurdein, working within the conventions of landscape photography, presents a picturesque scene framed by trees. Yet, this image also subtly echoes the complex relationship between humans and the environment. The framing foregrounds the artist's perspective, inviting us to consider our own position within this vista. Rather than presenting a pristine wilderness, the lakes are bordered by cultivated land and villages, subtly reminding us of human presence and influence. It evokes a sense of longing for an unspoiled world, even as it acknowledges the reality of human impact. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of our relationship with the natural world, and the narratives we construct around its beauty and fragility.