Portret van Corry Mak van Waay-Zulver met een baby 1934 - 1935

This is a small, anonymous photograph called "Portret van Corry Mak van Waay-Zulver met een baby" that's around 10 by 15 centimeters. It feels like a captured moment, a gentle exploration of form through light and shadow. The anonymous photographer is working with shades of grey, so it's not about bold contrasts, but subtleties, a soft focus on capturing texture and the delicate nuances of skin, fabric, and even hair. The light is diffuse, creating a smooth, almost velvety surface. It is possible to see tiny details, like the soft folds of the baby’s dress or the way the light catches the mother's cheekbone. The way the artist has handled the light makes the image feel intimate and personal. The composition, with the figures close together, holding each other, really emphasizes the connection between the mother and child. It reminds me a little of early photorealist painters like Gerhard Richter in the way it elevates an everyday photograph to something worthy of contemplation. The piece embraces simplicity, showing that sometimes the most profound statements are made quietly.