Nest van dodaars in het water c. 1870 - 1940

Adolphe Burdet made this black and white photograph of a bird’s nest sometime between 1880 and 1940. The grey tones create a sense of calm, of quiet observation. It’s like he’s saying, “Hey, look at this amazing thing I found,” rather than trying to knock you over with drama. The way the reeds and their reflections in the water form these long, vertical lines, framing the nest, it’s almost geometric. Your eye is immediately drawn to the nest, which looks soft and fragile, but also sturdy enough to hold those precious eggs. It’s a simple composition, but the textures and light create such depth. You can almost feel the cool water and the rough texture of the reeds. I’m reminded of Bernd and Hilla Becher's photographs of industrial structures; a similar focus on form and texture, but with a warmer, more personal touch. It's a testament to the power of observation, of finding beauty and complexity in the everyday.