Palmentuin 1913 - 1930

Theodoor Brouwers created this photographic print of Palmentuin, sometime between 1890 and 1932. It's a stereo card, right, which means it's meant to be seen with a special viewer that makes the image pop out in 3D. Look at how Brouwers used light and shadow to create a sense of depth, it's like walking into the frame, down a path framed by these looming trees. The gray tones feel so rich and atmospheric. You can almost feel the humidity, hear the rustling leaves, and sense the darkness. The surface has a bit of texture, and is almost rough. You get a sense of the organic, of the jungle, just by the feel of it. It’s like a memory, a dream, rather than a straightforward document, don't you think? It reminds me a little of Alfred Stieglitz, who was also trying to push photography beyond just documentation, toward something more felt, more alive.