Sneeuwlandschap Possibly 1934

This small photograph, "Sneeuwlandschap", was made by the Wachenheimer family, and it captures a snowy landscape in subtle tones. The composition is like a quiet dance of light and shadow. Look at the way the light rakes across the scene, casting long shadows from the trees. There is this real sense of depth, achieved with just a few tones, from the bright sky to the dark treeline. The paper itself has a slight texture, and you can see this carried into the image giving the impression of snow. The physicality of the medium is right there on the surface. The framing of the picture adds another layer. The torn paper emphasizes the ephemerality of the moment. "Sneeuwlandschap" reminds me of some of Gerhard Richter’s landscapes. Both artists share an interest in using the photographic medium to convey atmospheric effects. It’s this constant back-and-forth, this conversation across time, that makes art so endlessly fascinating.