Mangroveboom 1913 - 1930

Theodoor Brouwers made this photograph of a mangrove tree, sometime between 1890 and 1932, on glass. I love the way the dark mangrove almost dissolves into the scene behind it; it’s as if the plant has become a part of this environment. It’s such a simple, small object, yet it evokes such a strong sense of place and atmosphere. The photograph is like a quick sketch, capturing a fleeting moment. You can almost feel the humidity and hear the sounds of the water. Brouwers' subtle use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, drawing us into the scene. Look at the thin, pale reflection in the water which seems to quiver and move. It reminds me of the work of Eugène Atget, another photographer who captured the poetry of everyday life, though Atget was working in a very different environment. It's art as an ongoing conversation. This little photo invites us to slow down and pay attention to the beauty and complexity of the natural world.