Fruitbomen 1907 - 1935

Curator: Before us, we have "Fruitbomen", a photographic work attributed to Adolphe Burdet, created sometime between 1907 and 1935. Editor: My first thought is the sheer softness of the scene, a dreamlike effect that’s largely due to the photographic processes of the time and also possibly to plein-air techniques. The tones feel muted, like a faded memory. Curator: Considering its possible dating, it’s interesting to consider what this image might signify. A carefully curated orchard perhaps echoes the broader concerns about land ownership and agricultural practices prevalent during that period. Editor: Indeed. Focusing on the formal elements, I see a clear interest in composition through the arrangement of trees. The repetition creates a subtle rhythm, drawing the eye into the middle ground. Curator: Perhaps a commentary on societal structures, too, since fruit trees carry a great amount of symbolic weight across different cultures: bounty, sin, health and wellbeing depending on your background. The image evokes a world deeply rooted in the concerns of a certain agricultural class. Editor: The light and shadow are what fascinate me most. It creates depth but in a softened, almost diffused manner, a feature further emphasized by what seem like water colours used on the photograph itself. Did you note that central, dividing panel is like a pause, or a missing frame? Curator: Interesting observation. It prompts me to consider the gaps in the historical narrative— the marginalized voices of labourers who cultivated these lands. The photographic process itself reflects societal biases, right? Editor: Absolutely. Ultimately, what draws me is its simple beauty. A testament to form, light, and the quiet stillness of a moment captured. Curator: Yes. A powerful testament of its time but resonating, too, as a conversation on class, ownership, and visibility today.