Marba Titzenthaler, dochter van de fotograaf, met een onbekende oude vrouw, waarschijnlijk haar grootmoeder 1912 - 1913

Waldemar Titzenthaler took this photograph of his daughter, Marba, with an unknown older woman, possibly her grandmother. The tonal range of the image is restrained, existing in a world of greys, which feels appropriate given the subject matter. Looking closely, the way the photograph is constructed emphasises line and form, like a drawing. The older woman’s dress, for example, is composed of stripes, which are further accentuated by the photographic process. This use of line creates a feeling of depth and texture, drawing us into the image. The child’s dress, in contrast, is much lighter, softer. The eye is drawn to the hands clasping in the centre. These are the most important marks in the picture, creating an axis of connection and care. You could say Titzenthaler’s work relates to that of Lisette Model, another photographer interested in emotional resonance. Both artists remind us that art is an ongoing conversation about the ways we see each other.