Lord Frederick Roberts begeleidt generaal-majoor Robert Baden-Powell naar het hoofdkwartier in Pretoria 1901

This photograph titled 'Lord Frederick Roberts begeleidt generaal-majoor Robert Baden-Powell naar het hoofdkwartier in Pretoria,' was made by an anonymous photographer. It’s interesting to think about the process of photography in general, like how a picture can be a moment frozen in time. In this image, what strikes me is how the monochromatic palette flattens everything. It's tough to see any real texture. The details are lost in the shadows of the archway of foliage through which the figures walk. Look at the way the light catches the shoulders of the figures at the front of the group, and how this makes them stand out against the darker forms behind. It almost looks like a painting, because the photographer is trying to create a focal point, a composition. It reminds me a little of the Bechers' typologies, or maybe something by Bernd and Hilla. Though there's obviously no clear comparison, it's more of a nod to the human desire to categorize and document. I think this piece is a good reminder that art is always talking to other art. It's all one big conversation.