Achterzijde van The Art Building op het terrein van de wereldtentoonstelling in St. Louis (Louisiana Purchase Exposition), 1904 1904

This gelatin silver print, "Achterzijde van The Art Building op het terrein van de wereldtentoonstelling in St. Louis," was made by Jan Schüller in 1904. What strikes me is its subtle palette, a symphony of muted tones achieved with a careful photographic process. It feels so intuitive, like the photograph has slowly revealed itself, emerging from the chemicals and light, as if by accident. The photograph has an intriguing surface; you can almost feel the texture of the gelatin silver. The image's tones create an ethereal quality, as if the building is fading into a sepia-toned dream. The print’s surface quality creates a sense of distance, like a memory half-forgotten. Take a look at the way the light hits the columns. See how that soft glow gives the building a sense of depth? It reminds me a little of an Atget photograph, with its quiet observation of the modern world. The photograph doesn’t try to grab your attention. It simply invites you to look, to observe, and to feel the weight of history.