Gezicht op de Steigersgracht richting de Toesteiger te Rotterdam 1900 - 1920

This is a photograph of the Steigersgracht towards the Toesteiger in Rotterdam, taken by G. Hidderley. It's so interesting how the photographer plays with light and shadow here, turning a simple canal scene into something almost dreamlike. The reflections on the water are fantastic, blurring the line between the solid buildings and their watery doppelgangers. It's like the whole world is a bit uncertain, wavering. Look at the way the light catches the edges of the buildings. You can almost feel the texture of the brick and stone. Notice too how the photographer uses the water as a kind of mirror, doubling the architectural detail and creating a sense of depth that pulls you right into the scene. It’s a reminder that photography, like painting, is all about capturing light and shadow, and using those elements to create a mood, an atmosphere. Think of how Atget also captured similar cityscapes, revealing the beauty in the everyday. It's about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.