Fanny's haren worden gekamd door een schoonheidsspecialiste Possibly 1949

This photograph, "Fanny's haren worden gekamd door een schoonheidsspecialiste,"—or "Fanny's hair is combed by a beautician"—is by an anonymous artist, and when it was made is unknown, but I would guess mid-century. It’s a black and white image, so the tonality is key; the artist uses a limited range of grays to create a sense of depth and texture, with the darker tones grounding the composition. I'm drawn to the light, almost translucent quality of the beautician’s cape. It’s rendered with such subtle gradations of gray, it feels like you could reach out and touch the slippery surface. And then, there’s Fanny’s hair, a mass of unruly curls being tamed by the beautician’s comb. It’s like a little storm brewing on top of her head, full of energy and life. This piece reminds me of Diane Arbus and her ability to find beauty in the everyday. Arbus's work, like this photo, is a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, if you're willing to look.