Elfenbankjes c. 1900 - 1930

"Elfenbankjes," or "Elf Benches," is a striking black and white photograph by Richard Tepe, dating back to the early 20th century. The image depicts a close-up view of a cluster of bracket fungi, or shelf fungi, growing on a moss-covered tree trunk. The fungi, with their layered, fan-shaped caps, resemble miniature benches, lending to the whimsical title of the work. The composition draws the viewer's attention to the intricate details of the fungi's texture and the delicate beauty of nature. Tepe's work, known for its focus on natural forms and textures, showcases his keen eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of the natural world in his photographs. Today, the work is housed in the Rijksmuseum, a testament to the artistic value of this unique vision of the natural world.