Else Wachenheimer-Moos en Eugen Wachenheimer in de tuin tijdens de dag van hun verloving, augustus 1922, Duitsland 1922 - 1928

This photograph of Else and Eugen Wachenheimer was taken by a family member in their garden in Germany, on the day of their engagement in August 1922. The image is printed in silvery greys, a soft palette that gives a dreamlike quality to the scene. I love the way the light renders the edges of the figures soft, blurring their forms into the background of leaves and foliage. It’s like looking through a veil. Think about how the photographer has framed the couple, once embracing, and again in conversation. The surface of the print is almost matte, with subtle variations in tone that create depth and texture. I’m drawn to the way the light catches the edge of Else’s dress, a delicate highlight that brings her figure forward. This image reminds me of the work of early photographic pioneers like Julia Margaret Cameron, who used soft focus and atmospheric effects to create romantic, allegorical portraits. Like all great art, this photograph leaves space for mystery, inviting us to imagine the story behind the image.