Hello,
Here is my proposal using my experimental version of darktable.
I tried to maintain a diffused light while enhancing local contrast with “contrast & texture.”
I also used a new base curve and a fusion mode to handle the backlighting.
2026-04-19T15-24-26_IMG_2601_01.cr2.lab.xmp (20.8 KB)
Greetings from the Luberon, 
Christian