I shiver every time I look at it.
It’s a normal, ordinary photograph. Perhaps the only immediately noticeable thing is that it is a very old photograph, from before 1900. I don’t know the names of the people in it, and honestly, knowing them wouldn’t make much of a difference. However, you, the reader, should know that it is the father, mother, and daughter.
Observe. From left to right, we have the father, who is peering into the photographer’s lens. To his left, the mother and daughter, who seem to be looking in another direction, at a point some distance away. This disconnection in their gazes makes us suspect that something is wrong with the photograph.
Also, note that the daughter’s legs are covered with a blanket, perhaps one of the most curious details as it immediately makes us think that the young girl is paralyzed, sick, or something else that eludes us for now. Judging by the blanket and the position of the young girl, one might think she is lying on a bed with the mother sitting at the edge of it, watchful. However, the orientation of the father’s knees makes us realize the mistake. It’s not a bed. It could perhaps be a sofa.
Also, see that the young girl’s head rests in an unnatural position. Her face lacks any expression. The mother looks contemplative. The father, surprised.
It’s her eyes, the young girl’s eyes, that impress. Her gaze, even when calm, has an air of mystery. Observe closely. Try to penetrate her thoughts. What do you feel?
The position of her hands is no less relevant; they look as if she is resting. This is where the father connects with the rest of the photograph, touching the daughter’s arm. Do you notice?
We know nothing about the location. With wooden walls, it could be anywhere. Our chances of guessing will be better if we assume it’s the family home. Only something in the background, covered, forgotten, gives us a clue. We are probably in an already abandoned room.
Where are they? What does it feel like to be there? In the parents’ place. In hers.
A unique feature that probably isn’t obvious to anyone looking at the photograph is that the parents appear blurry, out of focus.
You will know that a photograph captures light. At the time this was taken, photographic materials were less sensitive and therefore required more exposure time to light. The photographed people had to stay still for several seconds, which could, depending on lighting conditions, turn into minutes. Look closely at the father’s eyes, also blurry. He may have blinked during the long photographic exposure.
So, while waiting to capture the image, the parents moved. But she didn’t. She remained still. Unmoving. Imperturbable. Without blinking.
Why?
It could be the position. Perhaps you share my point of view, as the ability to keep the head still at the angle she does is simpler than what the parents do.
Try it. Tilt your head until you feel the neck muscles tense. Try to keep your head in this position without moving at all. Clearly, it’s easier than being completely vertical and not moving an inch. The father’s slightly crouched position is more difficult. Performing no movement seems very complicated.
But it’s not this. I’m bothered not to see what she’s leaning on because if she isn’t, the position is even stranger. Do you realize?
Perhaps the photographer surprised them with a “don’t move, please.” And she, adjusting her hair or something else, maintained the position where she was warned. The father slightly bent. The mother in this aspect a bit more natural.
No. The girl hasn’t moved. She has a calmness that becomes obvious as you observe the photo more closely.
Her demeanor diverts attention from the image. I prefer to see the blurry parents rather than the clarity she has achieved. Doesn’t the clarity bother you in such an old photograph?
Life is movement.
She lacks movement for a reason we dare not call simple.
She is dead.
Translated from Spanish, Originally Written in:
Juan Fernando Mora
Monterrey, N.L.
September 29, 2009
