Untitled (Christmas tree) c. 1940s

This small silver gelatin print shows a Christmas tree, made at an unknown date by an anonymous artist. The approach is documentary, but it's also deeply personal; a captured moment of domestic life, presented in stark black and white. What strikes me about this photograph is the texture. The rough grain of the print contrasts with the delicate needles of the tree and the smooth surfaces of the ornaments. The light catches the edges of the branches, creating a sense of depth and dimension. If you look closely at the base of the tree, you can see a small nativity scene. This area is full of detail, a tiny world within the larger scene. The anonymity of the artist adds to the mystery and emotional resonance. I'm reminded of the work of Eugène Atget, another artist who captured the everyday details of life with a quiet intensity. Ultimately, this photograph embraces ambiguity, inviting us to project our own memories and experiences onto its simple, yet evocative image.