King's Weir, River Lea c. 1880s

Peter Henry Emerson's "King's Weir, River Lea" from the 1880s is a striking example of his "naturalistic" photographic style. This small-format platinum print captures the beauty of a simple rural scene, with soft tones and a focus on natural light. The subject matter, a river weir with a thatched cottage in the background, is rendered with photographic accuracy, demonstrating Emerson's commitment to realism. This print was part of his influential book, "Life and Landscape," which argued for a more objective approach to photography, emphasizing the beauty found in everyday scenes. The work exemplifies the photographic movement that sought to capture the world as it truly is, unadorned and authentic.