Façade met portaal van de kathedraal van Straatsburg before 1894

This photograph of the façade of Strasbourg Cathedral was captured by Charles Bernhoeft, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a photogravure, a process that translates a photographic image into an etched metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Consider the layers of labor involved. First, the physical work of constructing the cathedral itself, centuries earlier. Then, Bernhoeft's work in setting up his camera and capturing the image. Finally, the highly skilled labor of the photogravure process, demanding careful control of light, chemicals, and printing. The image itself speaks to the cultural significance of skilled trades. Look closely at the stone carvings, the intricate tracery of the rose window, the sheer verticality of the façade. These are testaments to the enduring human desire to transform raw materials into expressions of faith and civic pride. Even in its reproduction as a printed image, the cathedral continues to inspire awe, reminding us of the artistry inherent in both craft and photography.