"Pike Pool" (from below) c. 1880s

"Pike Pool (from below)" is a platinum print photograph taken by Peter Henry Emerson around the 1880s. It's a captivating landscape showcasing a natural pool framed by lush foliage, suggesting a serene and secluded setting. Emerson, a pioneer of pictorialism, aimed to capture the beauty of nature through a painterly style, emphasizing soft focus and tonal richness. His work, often depicting the English countryside, challenged the conventional approach to photography, advocating for a more artistic interpretation. This piece, part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, embodies the essence of Emerson's philosophy, inviting viewers to appreciate the delicate interplay of light, shadow, and form.