Familie Kessler aan de dinertafel van landgoed Pauw 1913

This photo of the Kessler family dining was taken by Geldolph Adriaan Kessler, though we don’t know exactly when. It's funny to look at this scene, like peering through a window into someone else’s life. The surface has a sheen, and the blacks seem to almost glow in contrast with the stark white table cloth. Look at how the light catches on the faces, especially on the woman in the front, giving her face an almost sculptural quality. The details are so clear and precise. It really captures a moment in time. You can almost hear the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation. The whole scene is full of tiny details, each contributing to the overall sense of intimacy and warmth. This reminds me of a painting by Vuillard, a domestic interior. Like Vuillard, Kessler seems interested in capturing the quiet beauty of everyday life, though through the very different medium of photography. Ultimately, it's these kinds of personal glimpses that make art so compelling.