Gezicht op het Kasteel van Wijchen na de restauratie 1908

This photograph of the Castle of Wijchen, after restoration, was made around 1900 by an anonymous photographer. Look at the grey tones, how they shift from light to dark, creating a sense of depth and texture. The image is softly focused, almost hazy, which gives the whole thing a dreamlike quality. Photography has always been about capturing a moment, but it’s also about the process of seeing. The texture of the stone and brick is palpable; you can almost feel the roughness. And there’s something about the even lighting that makes the castle feel both solid and ethereal. Notice the dark opening of the front gate, beckoning us in. It’s a mysterious focal point. It reminds me of some of Atget’s architectural studies. They were both interested in how structures hold memories and tell stories. Anyway, this photograph leaves space for reflection, inviting us to imagine the history contained within those walls.