Gezicht op het Suezkanaal bij Al-Qantarah Gharb c. 1889 - 1920

This image of the Suez Canal near Al-Qantarah Gharb, was made by an unknown artist, with tools and a process which is now lost to us. I love how the palette seems to be defined by earth tones, with soft sandy hues that create an inviting foreground. The image has an incredible texture; it almost feels like you could reach out and run your fingers across the grainy surface of the landscape. It's clear the artist was interested in the physicality of the medium, and how it could be used to evoke a sense of place. Look at the way the light hits the water, creating this shimmery, almost mirage-like effect. This mark is not just descriptive, it's evocative, creating an emotional response. It reminds me of some of the early landscape photography, the kind that tried to capture the grandeur and beauty of the natural world but the soft colours are reminiscent of the work of Agnes Martin. In any case, it feels like an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and appreciate the moment.