Close No. 11 Bridgegate 1897

"Close No. 11 Bridgegate," an 1897 photograph by James Craig Annan, captures the atmospheric essence of a narrow alleyway in Glasgow, Scotland. The image showcases Annan's mastery of the pictorialist style, using soft focus and tonal contrasts to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. The composition, with its converging lines and shadowy depths, draws the viewer's eye toward a solitary figure shrouded in darkness, creating a sense of isolation and contemplation. This work, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies Annan's influential role in elevating photography to the realm of fine art during the late 19th century.