Koorgestoelte in de Grote of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk te Dordrecht before 1889

Editor: This intriguing print, entitled "Koorgestoelte in de Grote of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk te Dordrecht," predates 1889, showcasing architecture through photography. The geometric repetition is fascinating. What stands out to you about the way this space has been presented? Curator: Well, considering its materiality and function, this image raises questions about the role of the church and the labor involved in creating such elaborate structures. Think about the material cost—the specific wood used, its transportation, the tools required for such detailed carving. How does that impact the community, both those who benefit and those who contribute to its construction? Editor: So you're saying to look at who had access to the resources, and who actually made this? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to examine social hierarchies reflected in the production and consumption of these structures. What was the relationship between the clergy, the wealthy patrons, and the artisans involved? And, thinking about the act of photographing and printing the image itself, what means of production enabled circulation and who had access to viewing these representations? Editor: It changes the way I look at the photo – it is not just an image; it shows complex interactions within a society. Curator: Exactly! Now you’re looking at the network of production and exchange tied to this architectural subject. It isn't just a photograph, it's a document reflecting broader societal conditions and material realities. Editor: Thanks, I'll definitely think differently now about the labor and materials involved in similar artworks. Curator: My pleasure! Reflecting on these material aspects gives a whole new perspective to understanding the function and meaning behind them.