Gezicht op De Waag te Alkmaar 1880 - 1900

This mounted albumen print, titled 'Gezicht op De Waag te Alkmaar', captures a view of the Weigh House in Alkmaar, likely in the late 19th century by Léon & Lévy. Notice how the photograph is structured. The eye is immediately drawn to the tower. Its height and intricate detailing create a strong vertical axis. The dark and still water in the canal creates a horizontal base, and the lines of buildings on either side frame the central structure. The photograph uses tonal variation to create depth. The light reflecting off the water and the soft gradations in the sky create a sense of atmospheric perspective. Consider the interplay between light and shadow. The building's details are brought to life by the way light models its form, creating depth and texture. The structural clarity and careful arrangement invite us to consider the photograph not just as a record, but as a constructed image. A dialogue between form and representation.