De kunstenaars en dichters Willem Witsen, Willem Kloos, Hein Boeken en Maurits van der Valk 1888

This photograph of Willem Witsen, Willem Kloos, Hein Boeken, and Maurits van der Valk, was captured by Joseph Jessurun de Mesquita. The sepia toning gives a sense of historical distance, yet the arrangement of the four figures creates an intimate, immediate impression. The composition relies on a structured asymmetry. The two figures on the left stand, creating dynamic diagonals with their bodies, while the two on the right stand and sit, forming more stable verticals. This contrast infuses the photograph with a subtle tension, reflecting perhaps the diverse personalities within the group. The hats worn by three of the men create a visual rhythm, anchoring the composition with their dark, circular forms. Mesquita's choice of sepia is also significant; it unifies the image, reducing color to tonal variations. The use of light and shadow models their faces, highlighting the texture of their clothes. The photograph becomes not just a record, but a study of form and texture.