Gezicht op twee aangelegde bootjes op een water before 1902

Curator: Here we see an image, before 1902, entitled “Gezicht op twee aangelegde bootjes op een water." It’s by Wilhelm Dreesen and given its integration within this bound volume, we can ascertain that it was made utilizing mixed-media production techniques—print, textile and photography. Editor: You know, at first glance, there’s a stillness to it that's almost unsettling. It’s very gray and textural; feels like it's holding its breath. Curator: The book format and monochromatic image speaks to the context of art exhibition and photographic movements in late 19th century Germany. One observes the increased popularity of illustrated exhibition catalogs that broadened access to art to broader audiences. Editor: Right. But, beyond that—and, of course, one has to acknowledge this in considering a catalog or a book or even photographs or other reproduced imagery—the muted tones kind of force you to look deeper. The detail is almost startling considering its age. It's really delicate in the way it depicts reflections on the water. Curator: It captures a moment in time, preserved and framed by the structure of the book. Think about the shift to making images—photography specifically—public and accessible within a wider social sphere; photographic annuals were essential in disseminating the trends and taste for picture making at that time. Editor: It’s as if the artist, or even Dreesen, whoever included this plate within the catalog, is saying, “Hey, remember these quiet moments?" Maybe the overall cultural context speaks about industrial growth, or cultural growth, maybe social awareness and change? Who can be sure. Curator: Absolutely. By placing the artwork in a wider context we consider both its visual impact, but also it's placement within an increasingly public cultural life. Editor: Yes. This whispers, doesn't shout. Which, when you consider how much visual noise we deal with now, maybe that's a lesson we need to relearn, to find beauty and significance in the small, quiet things.