Watervallen in Modum Bad, Noorwegen 1876 - 1933

Severin Worm-Petersen made this stereoscopic photograph of Watervallen in Modum Bad, Noorwegen, at an unknown date. It's printed in brown tones, like so many old photographs. But its in these muted tones where the photo really comes alive. Look at the way the light glances off the top of each tree. It feels like each one is rendered individually. This gives a sense of depth and texture, like a drawing. The river below weaves through the landscape. In fact the whole picture feels woven together somehow. Like a story being told in light and shadow. This photograph isn't just a document; it's an atmospheric poem. It reminds me of the landscapes of the American artist, Marsden Hartley, he was always trying to capture the mood of a place, just like Worm-Petersen here. Of course, like all good art, there are no easy answers, only beautiful questions.