Gezicht op een zeilboot te water before 1902

This photograph of a sailboat in water, by W. Schmidt, captures a moment with such incredible sensitivity and precision. The monochrome palette is handled with such subtlety; it's almost as if the light itself is the subject. The photograph has a tactile quality. The water feels almost palpable, thanks to the way Schmidt captures the reflections. I am particularly drawn to the texture of the water around the boat. The way the light glimmers feels like a gesture towards something ephemeral, something you can’t quite grasp. It reminds me a little of some of Gerhard Richter’s seascapes. Ultimately, though, Schmidt’s photo transcends any one influence. It stands alone as a testament to the power of observation. Like all great art, it resists easy answers, inviting us to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the world around us.