Gezicht op de Église Saint-Martin te Colmar before 1894

Editor: So, this gelatin silver print, "Gezicht op de Église Saint-Martin te Colmar," is by Charles Bernhoeft, and was made before 1894. It shows a rather imposing church. It’s under construction, judging by the scaffolding around the tower. What do you see in it? Curator: Immediately, I’m drawn to the contrast between the enduring architecture and the transient nature of the scaffolding. It highlights not just physical construction, but societal construction. Churches are historically intertwined with power, control, and the construction of social norms. Does the presence of the scaffolding challenge or reinforce the viewer’s perception of that power? Editor: That’s a good question! I guess I hadn’t thought of it like that. I just saw it as a building being fixed. Curator: And that's valid. But let's dig a little deeper. Consider the time period. This photo predates 1900, when Europe was experiencing significant shifts in religious and social landscapes. The act of renovating a church, in that context, could symbolize either a revitalization of faith or an attempt to hold onto traditions amidst rising secularism and societal upheaval. Which reading feels more correct to you? Editor: It's probably a bit of both, actually! You have a place for tradition and faith, but the new society is creeping in. It is a building in transition. Thanks! This gives me so much to consider in understanding this image. Curator: Indeed. Thinking about art in dialogue with its context illuminates its complexity and encourages more nuanced interpretations.