Suez II c. 1900 - 1910

This is "Suez II", a photograph by Henricus Jacobus Tollens. It's a study in the subtle shifts of grayscale, a symphony of muted tones that feels both industrial and somehow dreamlike. Look at how the light catches the water, a delicate shimmer that contrasts with the solid, geometric forms of the dredging machinery. The surface has a slight graininess that speaks to its age, a texture that invites you to imagine the artist in their darkroom, coaxing the image to life. See the plume of smoke rising from the boat’s chimney? It’s a fleeting gesture, a momentary mark that captures the energy of the machine. This photograph, with its industrial subject matter, reminds me of the work of Charles Sheeler. But Tollens brings something else to the table, a quiet poetry that elevates the everyday into something truly beautiful. It's a reminder that art is everywhere, even in the most unexpected places.