An elderly man taking a break in the streets of Nîmes

by Ruud Verhoosel

This atmospheric black-and-white photograph captures a tranquil and authentic moment of French life in Nîmes, taken this summer. At the centre of the frame sits an elderly man wearing a distinctive hat, sitting peacefully on a wooden bench. He is in a shaded little square, surrounded by the historic, sun-drenched architecture so characteristic of the South of France. Here, the photographer makes masterful use of the natural sunlight filtering through the leaves of the large tree. This creates a beautiful interplay of deep shadows and sharp contrasts on the stone façade and the ground. The classic lamppost on the left enhances the nostalgic atmosphere and lends the composition extra depth. The monochrome palette accentuates the timeless textures of the brickwork, the wood and the leaves. The image exudes a deep sense of calm, serenity and a touch of melancholy. It invites the viewer to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a moment and reminds us of the beauty of slowing down in a historic, Southern European setting.