Osier-Peeling (Norfolk) c. 1883 - 1888

"Osier-Peeling (Norfolk)" is a photogravure by Peter Henry Emerson, depicting three women working in a field in Norfolk, England. Taken between 1883 and 1888, it is part of Emerson's series of naturalistic photographs that capture the beauty and simplicity of rural life. The photograph's intimate composition and soft focus create a sense of realism, highlighting the women's focused labor and the peaceful atmosphere of the rural setting. The use of photogravure, a printing process that produces deep blacks and rich tonal variations, adds to the image's depth and texture. This work exemplifies Emerson's belief in the power of photography to portray life as it truly is.