Sneeuwlandschap met boerderijen before 1903

This small photograph, *Sneeuwlandschap met boerderijen*, or *Snowy Landscape with Farms* by W. Gesche captures a winter scene in what I imagine is a rural part of Germany, probably taken in the early 20th century. I’m struck by the monochromatic palette, shades of gray and white, with the crispness of the snow contrasting against the dark trees and buildings. The act of capturing this image must have been a quiet, solitary endeavor. The artist, Gesche, standing alone in the cold, carefully framing the scene, waiting for the right moment to press the shutter. I love the textural quality of the print, the way the snow appears almost velvety, with the distant buildings blurred. I picture Gesche experimenting with different exposures, trying to capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow, and I wonder what they might have been thinking as they wandered in the snow? Photography and painting are always in conversation, each medium influencing the other and photographers and painters are forever inspiring each other.