Gezicht op de Hervormde Kerk te Haren 1911

This photograph of the Reformed Church at Haren was made at some point by someone at Monumentenzorg, which means "monument care" in Dutch. What I find so striking is the near monochrome quality that gives a dreamlike feel. The image is predominantly sepia, which creates a sense of nostalgia. The texture of the brickwork is palpable, even through the soft focus. Look how the light catches the edges of the roof tiles. There's a wonderful contrast between the sharp lines of the architecture and the ethereal quality of the light. The bare tree in the foreground adds a stark, almost ghostly element. It's like the photo has captured a moment of stillness, a breath held in time. It puts me in mind of the work of Eugène Atget, who documented Parisian architecture at the turn of the last century. Both artists seem to share a fascination with the quiet beauty of everyday scenes. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art isn't always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it's about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.