Gezelschap rondom de piano before 1905

This photograph, *Gezelschap rondom de piano*, was made by Guillaume Oury sometime around the turn of the 20th century. Look at the way Oury coaxes these subtle tones from his materials. It feels like a dance between light and shadow, doesn’t it? There's something about this scene that feels both intimate and staged. Notice how the women's dresses pool around them, creating these soft, almost cloud-like forms. There is a lot of detail here, and it's amazing to consider how he achieved it. I’m reminded of Manet, and his ability to capture the fleeting moments of modern life. Just as in Manet's paintings, there’s a sense of theatricality, as though we're witnessing a scene from a play. Ultimately, what Oury offers us here isn’t just a snapshot of a moment, but an invitation to imagine the stories that might unfold around it.