Exterieur van een landhuis in Denver c. 1893 - 1900

Curator: Right now, we're looking at William Henry Jackson's "Exterior of a House in Denver," taken between 1893 and 1900, a gelatin silver print capturing a slice of turn-of-the-century cityscape. What strikes you first about this scene? Editor: Grandeur with a touch of melancholy, maybe? It’s like looking at a faded dream of opulence. That creamy sepia tone just adds to the sense of bygone days. Curator: Jackson, known for his landscape photography, shifted gears here. Instead of vast landscapes, we have an architectural portrait, paying close attention to textures and geometric forms, notice how the facade dominates the scene? Editor: Absolutely. The composition is all about the house. Those multiple rooflines, the cylindrical tower – it’s almost like a medieval castle plopped down in Denver. The contrast between the solidity of the stone and the ephemeral feel of photography itself is fascinating. It suggests both permanence and the passage of time. Curator: This piece also serves as a window into the social strata of the time, showcasing wealth and domesticity. And if you notice the people are posed ever so slightly in the garden! I bet this mansion housed some serious stories, the kind photography seldom can reveal beyond the look. Editor: You can tell Jackson was fascinated with capturing a sense of depth in this photograph, almost using it to enhance the idea of wealth: The layers of architectural detail seem infinite at first sight, with the many turrets and balconies casting strange but fascinating shadows. Curator: I agree. There's almost a hyper-realism here that the photographer used to expose a bit of turn-of-the-century high society and progress. It has a narrative vibe! Editor: Yes! This gelatin silver print really showcases a different facet of American identity from Jackson. A lovely piece to spend a little time contemplating! Curator: Precisely. And hopefully, giving pause to our conceptions of what landscape photography can include.