Untitled [water and bare trees] c. 1900

William Dassonville captured this untitled photograph of water and bare trees using gelatin silver print. The photograph is dominated by a monochromatic sepia tone which evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The composition is divided into horizontal layers: the foreground is a textured bank of leaves, the middle ground features a body of water reflecting the bare trees and sky, and the background fades into a soft, misty horizon. The bare trees reach upwards, their branches creating a network of lines that contrast with the smooth, reflective surface of the water. This juxtaposition of textures and forms creates visual interest. Dassonville destabilizes the traditional landscape by emphasizing mood over detail, and the muted tones and soft focus create a dreamlike atmosphere. This reflects the Pictorialist movement's interest in photography as a fine art, prioritizing aesthetic beauty over documentary accuracy. The photograph's enduring appeal lies in its formal qualities, particularly the subtle gradations of light and shadow, and its capacity to evoke a sense of contemplation.