Houtzaagmolen in Edam, Nederland 1904

This photogravure of a sawmill in Edam, Netherlands was made by James Higson, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's hard not to see the hand of the artist at work in this image despite it being a photograph. The image has been treated, perhaps manipulated, to produce a sense of dreaminess and nostalgia. Look at the way the surfaces shimmer, especially the water, which is rendered with so much care and attention. It’s impossible to tell if it's the light or the printing process which gives the image this texture, but I get a sense of something wavering and shimmering. The reflections in the water are almost more present than the buildings themselves. There’s something about the contrast between the solidity of the mill and the gentle ripples of the water that captures the imagination. I see the influence of the Dutch Masters, and it makes me think of Turner.