Farme before 1878

This photogravure, ‘Farme,’ by Thomas Annan, captures a rural Scottish landscape, likely from the late 19th century, rendered in subtle sepia tones. The composition pivots on a delicate balance between the architectural elements of the farmhouse and the organic forms of the surrounding trees. Annan employs a vertical orientation, focusing on the recessive planes. The textures, almost tactile, are achieved through the photogravure process, lending a sense of authenticity and immediacy. The structural arrangement suggests a narrative about the relationship between humanity and nature, where the geometry of human construction is softened by the unruly growth of the natural world. Annan’s choice to frame the architecture within the landscape invites reflection on themes of settlement, cultivation, and the passage of time. Consider how the muted palette and diffuse light function not just as aesthetic choices but as carriers of cultural meaning, evoking nostalgia and a sense of history. The artwork acts as a cultural artefact, open to continuous interpretation.