Raadhuis van Middelharnis 1909

This silver gelatin print of Raadhuis van Middelharnis shows the building after its restoration in 1909. It was made by an anonymous photographer working with Monumentenzorg, the heritage agency. The approach to light here is interesting – the facade is bathed in a muted, almost ghostly light, which makes the building feel like it's emerging from a dream. The texture is subtle, but you can sense the grain of the photographic paper, the slight imperfections that give it an analog feel. Look at the way the photographer has framed the composition with a central viewpoint; the overall impression is one of stillness and contemplation. The sepia tone adds a layer of nostalgia, as if we are peering into the past. It reminds me of Atget, who also documented buildings and street scenes with a similar eye for detail and atmosphere. There is a sense of something old being made new, but with a deep respect for history. Art is a conversation, an ongoing dialogue across time. And like any good conversation, it’s full of surprises and unexpected connections.