Gezicht op zee before 1903

This photograph by Edgar Milster captures a seascape, probably made with some kind of early photographic process. I find it very painterly. The tonal range is so subtle, it's almost monochromatic, but look closely, and you can make out the way the light catches the breaking waves. It's all about the texture, the way the water foams and crashes against the dark rocks. It's a very physical image, you can almost feel the spray on your face. Look how the artist plays with light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere that transcends the literal scene. This reminds me a little of some of the seascapes by Gustave Courbet, who was also interested in capturing the raw power of nature. But with Milster, there's a unique quality, a kind of quiet intensity that invites contemplation. I feel like he understood the power of holding back, of letting the viewer fill in the blanks. It's a picture that keeps on giving.