Portret van een onbekende jonge man Possibly 1912 - 1919

These small photographs, captured by Electrische Snelfotografie, offer a glimpse into the past through the lens of early portraiture. The approach to capturing these images feels immediate, like a sketch done quickly. The monochromatic palette strips away the distraction of color, focusing our attention on form, texture, and the subtle play of light and shadow. Look at the way the light catches the young man's face on the right and casts a shadow beneath his cap. It's these little details, these ephemeral moments, that give the photo its character. I like the way these images are fixed, so that we can dwell on them, looking and looking until the surface breaks and new meanings come into being. Think of the work of Bernd and Hilla Becher and their photographs of industrial buildings! It’s a reminder that art isn't about perfection, but about capturing a moment, an emotion, a fleeting glimpse of truth.