Bayeux Cathedral, from the South before 1865

This is Joseph Cundall’s photograph of the Bayeux Cathedral, taken sometime in the mid-19th century. At this time, photography was used to document historical sites, thus reinforcing national and cultural identities. From the south, the cathedral rises majestically. Built over centuries, it embodies the power and wealth of the Catholic Church. Its architectural grandeur is a testament to faith, yet it also evokes the social hierarchy of medieval France, a rigid system where the church held immense sway over people's lives. As much as the church served as a beacon, it also cast a shadow over societal progress. Consider how the church—historically a space of both refuge and control—played a role in the lives of countless individuals, shaping not only their spiritual beliefs but also their social realities. By viewing this image, we are invited to reflect on how historical structures continue to influence our present experiences and identities.