Versailles, Grand Trianon (Le Parc) 1905

Eugène Atget made this photograph of Versailles in France with a camera, and the result is full of atmosphere. The whole scene is veiled in sepia tones; it feels gentle and muted. You can almost feel the quiet of the park, the stillness of the water in the fountain. The light softens everything, making the stone look almost like it's melting into the surrounding greenery. I’m wondering what Atget thought about while he was working. What did he want to capture and show the viewer? The composition, too, is so deliberate, placing the fountain off to the side, and using it to frame the trees and the wall beyond. The fountain itself is a marvel, with that little cupid aiming his arrow. You can imagine water once flowing, catching the light, and adding movement to the scene. It’s funny how even in stillness, you can sense the potential for life and energy. It feels old and timeless, a little bit spooky.