Akkervederdistel 1900 - 1930

This is a photograph of a thistle, made by Richard Tepe sometime in the early 20th century. What I love about this image is the way it shows you that even a weed can be beautiful if you really look at it. The tones are sepia, which gives the whole scene a kind of antique feel, like it's a memory from a long time ago. You can almost feel the texture of the thistle, the prickly leaves and the soft, fluffy head. The light is gentle, almost dreamlike. I keep coming back to the sharp edges of the leaves. The way they stand out against the softer background makes you want to reach out and touch them, even though you know you probably shouldn't. It reminds me a little of Karl Blossfeldt's plant photographs, though maybe more romantic, less scientific. Ultimately, it's an image that makes you slow down and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.