Gezicht op de Giardino Giusti in Verona before 1903

This is a black and white photograph by Franz Goerke of the Giardino Giusti in Verona, and is from the early 20th century. What strikes me here is the use of light and shadow. This isn't just about capturing a scene; it’s about sculpting it with contrasts. The photograph uses the texture of the trees and the pathway to draw you into the scene. Goerke captures the way the light filters through the leaves, creating a complex interplay of dark and light. The path in the photograph winds into the distance, but is in shadow, while the trees are bright and full of light. This could be read as optimism, or the idea of the unknown. Goerke’s work reminds me a little of the photography of Eugène Atget, who similarly documented the urban landscape with a quiet, observant eye. Both artists share a knack for finding beauty in the everyday and turning it into something extraordinary. Art’s like that, a constant conversation across time, with each artist adding their own unique voice to the mix.