[Play of light and shadow] - Hans Silvester, silver gelatin print

Shadow Play, 1976 – Silver gelatin print

This photograph, taken while Hans Silvester was following pétanque players in 1976, belongs to the founding body of work presented in the “Silver Silvester” collection.

The aesthetic of this photograph:Everything in this image is suggested, yet it speaks for itself. One senses the warmth of Provence through the shadow cast on the distinctive ground of a pétanque court, and the precise, elegant gesture of the player aiming his throw.

For many months, Hans followed pétanque players from Marseille to Monaco and across the plateaus of the Vaucluse, befriending the enthusiasts of this Provençal game and even playing with them.

Produced from the artist’s original black-and-white negatives, the photograph has been printed using traditional silver gelatin processes. The depth of the blacks, the delicacy of the grain, and the balance of contrasts give the print a strong material presence, faithful to the photographer’s original intention. The image reflects Hans Silvester’s attentive and rigorous gaze, shaped by a deeply humanist approach.

Each photograph is issued in a strictly limited edition of five prints. The works are preserved and handled according to professional photographic conservation standards, ensuring their long-term stability.

Photograph presented during the exhibition “Silver Silvester”, Galerie Retour de Voyage, April 2026.

Prints remain available for viewing by appointment after the exhibition:

Contact Frédéric: +33 6 87 32 58 68.