Stadhuis van Vianen c. 1890 - 1920

This photograph, "Stadhuis van Vianen," probably made with an early photographic process, invites us into a world seen through a lens of time. The sepia tones lay the foundation for how we perceive this image. The artist treats light and shadow as integral components, not just descriptive elements. Look at the facade of the building, the way the light delicately kisses the edges of the windows and doorway. These details are where the photograph sings, transforming a simple architectural study into something deeply evocative. The surface itself, with its subtle imperfections and tonal shifts, speaks to the hand-touched quality inherent in early photography. The details around the doorway draw the eye, becoming a focal point that pulls you into the scene. This piece reminds me a bit of the architectural studies by Bernd and Hilla Becher, who methodically documented industrial structures. But where the Bechers sought a certain objectivity, this photograph feels imbued with a more personal, nostalgic touch. It’s a testament to how art, in any form, captures not just what we see, but how we feel.