The Old Rye House c. 1880s

"The Old Rye House" is a photogravure by Peter Henry Emerson, a prominent figure in the Pictorialist movement of photography. Created around the 1880s, this work exemplifies the artistic and technical innovations of the movement. Emerson's use of soft focus, subtle tonality, and evocative composition creates a sense of realism and poetic beauty, showcasing his desire to elevate photography to the level of fine art. The image depicts a picturesque English landscape, capturing the charm of a historic building, "The Old Rye House," and a pair of figures engaged in a leisurely activity in the foreground. This work, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, reflects Emerson's belief in the power of photography to convey a sense of place and human experience with artistic sensitivity.