Jeanne and Regena 1917

This photograph, Jeanne and Regena, by Morton Schamberg, captures two figures with a directness that feels both intimate and detached. Look at the tonal range of the image, how the soft greys and browns create a sense of depth, but also a kind of flattening effect. There's a real beauty in the way the light catches the subjects' faces, revealing their individual characters and their connection to one another. The texture of the photographic paper itself adds another layer to the piece. You can almost feel the graininess, the subtle imperfections that give it a unique, handmade quality. Notice how the dark dress contrasts against the patterned gown of the younger woman. The dress looks almost like a painting, with its dense colour and slight suggestion of movement. Schamberg’s approach reminds me of the way painters like Alice Neel captured the essence of their subjects. Both artists have a knack for revealing something true about the people they depict. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to consider the complexities of human relationships.