Cologne Cathedral, South Transept Possibly 1854

The Bisson Frères created this albumen print of the Cologne Cathedral’s south transept sometime between 1852 and 1863. The photograph captures the cathedral during its reconstruction, a project that had been dormant for centuries and was revived in the 19th century amidst a surge of German nationalism. Look closely, and you'll notice the scaffolding that suggests human labor. The resumption of construction became a symbol of German identity and unity, especially poignant as it occurred during a period of fragmented German states before unification in 1871. The cathedral itself, when completed, stood as a testament to the perceived grandeur of the German spirit and its connection to a Christian, specifically Catholic, heritage. The Bisson Frères were known for their architectural photography, but here, the choice to document the cathedral in progress speaks to the dynamic relationship between national identity, religious institutions, and the working class employed to rebuild such structures. The photograph isn't just about the stones and mortar; it's about the people and the evolving idea of a nation.