Portret van Mr. Norbert Petrus van den Berg in zijn werkkamer op Turfmarkt 3, op tafel een poot van een nijlpaard [onz] van een c. 1890 - 1894

This photograph captures Mr. Norbert Petrus van den Berg in his study on Turfmarkt 3, taken by Hendrik Herman van den Berg. The composition of this image is quite intriguing, filled with contrasts in light and shadow. Note how the diffused light from the large window behind the desk casts a soft glow around Mr. Van den Berg, sharply juxtaposed with the darker, more cluttered foreground. This division creates a sense of depth, drawing our eyes toward the subject while simultaneously engaging with the details of his environment. The objects on the table, including the curious hippopotamus foot, serve as semiotic markers, hinting at the sitter's character and interests. The photograph's tonality further complicates the image's spatial dynamics. The stark contrast between the bright window and the shadowy foreground destabilizes a clear reading of the scene, inviting a deeper consideration of the interplay between presence and absence, knowledge and mystery.