Gezicht op de Lekpoort te Vianen c. 1890 - 1920

This sepia-toned photograph of the Lekpoort in Vianen, made by an anonymous photographer, looks like it was made with light. Think about it: to capture something, you have to expose it to light. In this image, the light defines the texture of the brickwork in the Lekpoort and the surrounding buildings. Each brick has a slightly different tone. The light is almost palpable, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The choice to capture the Lekpoort from this specific angle, with the arched gateway inviting us into the distance, gives the composition a narrative quality. It reminds me a bit of the Bechers’ photographs of industrial structures. Here, we have a similar interest in documenting architectural forms, albeit with a softer touch. In this photograph, the focus on light and shadow creates a connection between the architectural subject and the surrounding environment.