Gezicht op woningen en een molen in 't Kalf te Zaandam 1890 - 1910

This silver gelatin print captures a landscape with houses and a windmill in 't Kalf, Zaandam, by Simon Bakker Jz. The photograph is striking in its composition, where the structures are mirrored in the still water, creating a doubling effect that invites contemplation on symmetry and reflection. Bakker's approach to composition utilizes a horizontal format, dividing the scene into distinct planes: the foreground with its textured banks, the reflective water serving as a central mirror, and the background featuring architectural elements. The monochromatic palette emphasizes tonal variations, drawing attention to the contrast between light and shadow. Consider how the photograph destabilizes traditional landscape expectations through its near symmetry, challenging viewers to consider not just what is seen but also how it is perceived. This visual echo prompts questions about reality versus representation. The photograph's formal qualities draw our attention not only to the aesthetics but to the philosophical implications of duplication and perception.