Portret van een lokale familie in de Harz c. 1903 - 1908

This is a photograph by Geldolph Adriaan Kessler, titled 'Portret van een lokale familie in de Harz' which translates as 'Portrait of a local family in the Harz'. The muted sepia tones give the image a timeless quality. I always feel that monochromatic images give us something extra, they direct our attention to form, texture, and composition in a way that color can sometimes obscure. The soft focus and subtle gradations of light and shadow create a sense of depth and atmosphere. I’m drawn to the texture of the clothing, and the way it contrasts with the rough wood of the fence. Look at the way the light catches the edges of the fabric. You can almost feel the weight and warmth of the garments. The family’s faces are etched with a quiet dignity. The artist invites us to contemplate their lives. Kessler’s work reminds me of August Sander, another photographer who sought to document the German people with empathy and respect. Both artists remind us that art is ultimately about connection, and about seeing the world through another's eyes.