Gezicht op Kasteel Doorwerth 1890 - 1920

This sepia toned photograph shows us Gezicht op Kasteel Doorwerth, made by an anonymous photographer. The artist uses a restricted palette, exploring the tonal range with incredible subtly, and it makes me think about painting; it’s all about the process. It’s difficult to say precisely when it was made, but the style makes me think of photography from the late 19th or early 20th century. The surface of the print has a beautiful matt texture, creating a soft, velvety feel. Notice how the light dapples across the side of the castle tower, creating a play of light and shadow that almost obscures the monumental architecture. It's hard to tell, but I suspect that the artist has used some form of soft focus to throw the architecture slightly out of focus; the effect being to create a more ethereal image. The photograph reminds me of the paintings of Gerhard Richter, who used photography as a source, and who similarly explored the tonal possibilities of grey. Both artists use ambiguity to question what we see, and how we see it, opening a space for multiple interpretations.