Sint-Laurentiuskerk te Neurenberg 1895

This is Ferdinand Schmidt's photograph of the Sint-Laurenskerk in Nuremberg. Schmidt made the photograph sometime between his birth in 1840 and death in 1909 using a photographic process. During Schmidt's lifetime, Nuremberg was undergoing rapid industrialization, which disrupted traditional social structures. His choice to photograph the Sint-Laurenskerk, a symbol of enduring faith, is very telling. It evokes a longing for stability amidst the chaos of modernity. The Sint-Laurenskerk, originally constructed in the 13th century, has witnessed significant historical events, including the Reformation. The church’s imposing Gothic architecture suggests permanence but the photograph hints at its vulnerability within a changing world. How does this photograph make us think about the preservation of cultural heritage in times of change? The photograph invites reflection on the relationship between history, faith, and identity in a rapidly evolving society.