Gedeelte van de Nicolaaskerk te Wijhe 1911

This is a photo of a section of the Nicolaaskerk in Wijhe, made by an anonymous photographer working for Monumentenzorg. This is a practical photograph. The way it's been shot, with the church almost framed by trees, is pleasing. The sepia tones are lovely and consistent. The surface is matte. In some ways, this photo feels very painterly in its composition. It’s all about light and form. I think about someone like Corot here, an artist who was fascinated with the way light can transform the most mundane subject. Look at the way the light falls on the right side of the church and the shadows on the left. It’s this use of light and shadow which gives the piece its depth. It is this that brings it to life. It's a reminder that art often lies in how we see, not just what we see. And there is always room for seeing again.