Gezicht op de Géronstèrebron in Spa 1866 - 1870

Editor: This is a vintage photograph by Jules Hippolyte Quèval, taken sometime between 1866 and 1870. It's called 'Gezicht op de Géronstèrebron in Spa' which I believe is a view of the Géronstère spring in Spa. The mood feels so quiet, almost secretive with all those trees looming about. It also has a beautiful soft, dreamy tone to it, very painterly. What really jumps out to you when you look at this? Curator: You're right, that subdued tone is utterly captivating. It feels like stumbling upon a hidden sanctuary, doesn’t it? It speaks of the era's fascination with nature, of course, but there's something more. Perhaps Quèval was subtly nodding to the "picturesque"—a real buzzword back then. What happens, though, if we see it not as a document, but as a personal encounter? That's where it sings to me. Editor: Personal encounter? Like the photographer’s feeling about being there? Curator: Exactly. The somewhat hazy focus, the framing... it's as if he's sharing a very private, cherished moment. This spring, it’s more than just water; it’s history, tranquility. The spring house is almost Grecian in structure, like some forgotten temple, overgrown by nature. It hints at civilizations gone by, with Nature forever enduring. Do you think that perhaps Quèval sensed that in the same way? Editor: Hmm, I see your point! It does feel less like a factual snapshot and more like… well, like a memory, or a feeling given form. That overgrown element, for sure! I hadn't thought of it that way before. Curator: And isn't that the delicious thing about art, in any form? We each bring our own history, memories, to create a shared, brand new thing of beauty? Editor: Definitely. I'll never look at old photographs the same way! Thanks!