Portret van Ferrand Pimentel d'Almeida Possibly 1908

This photo, by R. Santos, captures Ferrand Pimentel d’Almeida in sepia tones on a card. It's fascinating how a limited palette can still convey so much depth. The surface has a tactile quality, the card aged and textured, not unlike the way I build layers in my paintings. Look closely at the way the light catches the edge of the table, there is a beautiful simplicity in the depiction of the book. The shadow under his hand gives it form. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most compelling art emerges from humble materials. Thinking about Santos's work, I'm reminded of other portrait photographers like Nadar, who captured the essence of their subjects with a similar understated elegance. In both, the focus is on the human presence, a quiet conversation between the viewer and the subject, across time. It's about peeling back the layers and finding something real.