Gezicht op Stony Brook in Norfolk, Massachusetts before 1879

These albumen silver prints of "Gezicht op Stony Brook in Norfolk, Massachusetts" were made by Thomas R. Lewis in the late 19th century. The dual composition, split vertically, creates a mirror-like effect, yet the two brook views differ subtly in light and shadow, drawing the eye to their contrasting textures. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and structure. The density of the foliage and the rocky foreground offer a rich, almost tactile experience. The verticality of the trees counters the horizontal flow of the water, constructing a dynamic tension within the still image. This interplay of elements reflects the semiotic binary opposition, where nature is both a wild, untamed force and a composed, structured landscape. The photographic medium here challenges fixed meanings of landscape art, pushing it towards a modern exploration of form and perception. The photograph encourages a re-evaluation of our relationship with nature and the act of seeing itself.