Portret van koning Gustaaf V van Zweden 1907 - 1915

Here we have a photograph of King Gustaf V of Sweden, by an anonymous artist, and made using photographic methods. It’s fascinating how an image, seemingly straightforward, can hold so much. The palette, almost entirely greyscale, feels so considered. It's like each tone is a carefully chosen word in a poem. I think about the artist making decisions, each one a tiny, deliberate step in the process. There's a lot of care in rendering the texture of his suit, his hat, and the way he holds himself. Look at the area around his eyes. It's slightly blurred, yet manages to convey such a sense of character. The softness there, against the defined edge of his moustache, it's just beautiful. I'm thinking about the dialogue between the artist and the subject. This piece reminds me of some of August Sander's portraits, that similar gaze, inviting the viewer in. Art is an ongoing conversation, right?