Passagiers bij een pont c. 1895 - 1905

David Vermeulen's photograph, "Passengers by a Ferry," captures a scene where form and structure intersect with cultural transit. The composition is distinctly horizontal, emphasizing the linear movement of figures and a horse-drawn carriage towards the ferry. Vermeulen uses a muted palette, where subtle variations in tone articulate the subjects and background. The figures are arranged asymmetrically, creating a dynamic tension that pulls the eye from left to right. The photograph is divided into distinct zones, the foreground filled with travelers, a middle ground featuring a stone embankment, and a background of lush greenery. This division provides depth and context to the human activity. Through the interplay of light and shadow, Vermeulen highlights the textures of clothing and the rough stone, grounding the image in a tactile reality. This interplay is not merely decorative; it serves to underscore the human experience within a specific physical environment. The photograph acts as a cultural artifact, inviting viewers to decode its semiotic layers, understanding how it represents movement, class, and the everyday life of its time.