Pont Saint-Bénezet c. 1860 - 1915

Willem Witsen made this photo of the Pont Saint-Bénezet. Its sepia tones and muted contrasts create a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere. The composition emphasizes the structural elements of the bridge. Arches dominate, their curves echoed in the water's reflections, creating a sense of depth and continuity. The bridge’s stone is the central signifier. Its solidity contrasts sharply with the fluid, reflective river. This interplay challenges fixed meanings of permanence versus transience. The bridge, a symbol of connection, is rendered incomplete, destabilizing its function. The tonal range across the photograph serves as a commentary on history, decay, and the passage of time. This is not just a picture of a bridge, but an engagement with themes of memory and the instability of meaning.